Welcome Weekend 2026 info for students
DSU Move-In | New Student Orientation Information
Our team and campus partners are excited to welcome you to Dakota State University as you begin your journey in Madison! Our new Trojans will move in Friday, Aug. 21, 2026 and we welcome our returning students throughout the weekend. Updates will be posted online and students will receive additional details regarding move-in throughout the summer.
Move-In Day 2026
This year’s move-in will take place over a three-day period starting on Friday, August 21 through Sunday, August 23. New students will be able to move into the halls from 8:00am to 12:00pm on Friday, August 21. Returning students will be able to move into the halls starting at 8:00am on Saturday, August 23.
What to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
New students arrive at the Office of Residence Life located at Courtyard Hall between 8 a.m. to noon to receive their room key, directions to their residence hall, and other information. From there new students will go to their residence hall where volunteers will help students unload their vehicles and carry items to their rooms.
The Courtyard Hall address is:
Courtyard Hall
Dakota State University
917 Washington Ave. N.
Madison, SD 57042
If you have any questions, please contact Residence Life at (605) 256-5146 or by email at residencelife@dsu.edu.
Returning students should arrive at the Office of Residence Life located at Courtyard Hall between 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to receive their room key and other information.
Before and after those hours you will check in at your assigned residence hall by calling the Residence Assistant (RA) duty number.
If you have any questions, please contact Residence Life at (605) 256-5146 or by email at residencelife@dsu.edu.
Orientation Weekend Schedule
| When | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Campus Offices Open | Across Campus |
| 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Computer Pick Up | Mundt Library |
| 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Trojan Zone Open | Trojan Center |
| 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Information Station | Trojan Center |
| 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., or 1 p.m. | Sessions for Parents | Learning Engagement Center |
| 10:30 a.m. or 12:30 p.m. | Transfer Orientation Sessions | Trojan Center Alumni Room |
| 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Campus Grill-Out & Madison Community Information Fair | West Trojan Center Lawn |
| 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Trojan Zone Stadium Store Open | Beacom PREMIER Complex |
| 2 p.m. | Trojan Trek Attendance is Expected |
West Trojan Center Lawn |
| 2:30 p.m. | All Campus Ice Cream Social Sponsored by Madison Regional Health System |
Beacom PREMIER Complex |
| 3 p.m. | New Student Welcome: Trojans Start Here Attendance is Expected |
Brian Kern Family Stadium |
| 3:30 p.m. | GO! Time Attendance is Expected |
Blankley Field |
| 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Marketplace Open | Trojan Center Marketplace |
| 7 p.m. | Game Night with Games Club | Trojan Center |
| When | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 8 a.m. | Move-In for Returning Students | |
| 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. | Community Center Open | Community Center |
| 10. a.m. | DSU 101 Attendance of one is expected |
Tunheim Classroom Building 203 |
| 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Meet & Mingle Campus Tours Available |
Trojan Center Underground |
| 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Information Station | Trojan Center |
| 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Open Office Hours for ITS | Mundt Library |
| 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Trojan Zone Open | Trojan Center |
| 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Mail and Package Pick Up Available | Courtyard |
| 2 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Yard Games with Cru | West Trojan Center Lawn |
| 1 p.m. | DSU 101 Attendance of one is expected |
Tunheim Classroom Building 203 |
| 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Marketplace Open | Trojan Center |
| 6 p.m. | Home Soccer Match | Dan Beacom Track Complex |
| 8 p.m. | TAB Event | TBD |
| 9 p.m. | Night Nachos | Trojan Center |
| When | What | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Various | Services at Local Churches | Times Posted in Trojan Center |
| 10 a.m. | Coffe and Chill | Learning Engagement Center - Relaxation Room |
| 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Community Center Open | Community Center |
| 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Information Station | Trojan Center |
| 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Open office hours for ITS | Mundt Library |
| 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. | Mail and Package Pick up Available | Courtyard |
| 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Marketplace Open | Trojan Center |
| 2 p.m. | Trojan Olympics for New Students | Trojan Center Fireplace Lounge |
| 4 p.m. | Bingo with TAB | Trojan Center Marketplace |
| 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Trojan Zone Open | Trojan Center |
| 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Marketplace Open | Trojan Center |
| 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. |
Information Station |
Trojan Center |
| 7 p.m. | Residence Hall Meetings & Hall Council Kick-off | Check Residence Halls for Details |
| 7:30 p.m. | Welcome Back Karaoke with DSU Live | Trojan Center Underground |
Quick Links
View the Welcome Back Info Book
Trojan Connect App
Get the Trojan Connect App to access resources directed towards your academic success.
1. Find an install the Navigate360 Student app in your app store.
2. Search for Dakota State University in the app's search bar.
3. Log in using your DSU email and password
Trojan Net
Access class schedule, pay your bill, register for parking permit, access ITS and laptop support, review dining options, find academic support and many other services.
Contact Us
Have a question? Call the DSU Office of Admission (605) 256-5139 or email us