Bloomington, Indiana – Indiana University is preparing for one of its busiest times of the year as thousands of students move into residence halls ahead of the 2025–26 academic year. While some early arrivals have already settled in, the bulk of IU Bloomington students are scheduled to move in on August 19 and 20, with IU Indianapolis beginning its first-year move-in on August 16 and 17. Classes for both campuses start on August 25, marking the official return to a full academic schedule.
IU Bloomington: Major Move-In Days August 19 and 20
At IU Bloomington, most students will complete centralized check-in at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. The process runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on August 19 and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 20. Students who were approved for early move-in will have already checked in on August 10 or will do so on August 15 at the DeVault Alumni Center, located at 1000 E. 17th Street.
To help manage the large flow of vehicles, students arriving during the main move-in days will enter from the State Road 45/46 Bypass at Gate 11 into the Purple Lot, then park in the Green Lot by the north entrance of Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Each student is expected to arrive at their preselected time, bring a photo ID (preferably their IU CrimsonCard), and check in through the building’s north entrance. CrimsonCards will be activated on site to grant residence hall access.
After check-in, students will proceed to their specific residence halls following instructions provided on the IU Housing website. The Indiana Department of Transportation’s TrafficWise website is recommended for travelers to check road conditions, as construction or heavy traffic could cause delays. IU Police Department officers will be stationed at intersections, and directional signs will help guide drivers to the correct locations.
To maintain a safe and welcoming environment, pets — except for therapy and guide dogs — are not permitted in residence halls during move-in.
Welcome Week will help new and returning students settle in. Highlights include the New Student Induction Ceremony on Thursday, August 21, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, which will also be livestreamed for families who cannot attend in person. On Friday, August 22, from 8 to 9 p.m., Traditions and Spirit of IU will take place at Memorial Stadium, culminating with the annual first-year class photo on the field. Other events, such as CultureFest, RecFest, the Herman B House Party, and numerous academic and social gatherings, are listed on the IU Bloomington Events Calendar under the Welcome Week tag.
IU Indianapolis: First-Year Move-In August 16 and 17
For IU Indianapolis, first-year students will move in from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 16 and 17. All check-ins will take place at the IU Indianapolis Campus Center at 420 University Boulevard. Parking is available in Lot 80, located just south of the Campus Center. Students are asked to arrive at their preselected times to keep the process running smoothly.
Returning residents and upper-level students will move in on August 23, also starting at the Campus Center before heading to their unloading zones. Throughout move-in, staff members will be on hand to greet residents, while the Move Crew — volunteers from athletics, student organizations, Greek life, and academic departments — will assist with unloading and transporting belongings to housing units. IU Police Department officers will help direct traffic around campus.
Students and families should be aware of construction projects in the area, which may cause delays or lane closures. In particular, 10th Street, West Street, and Blackford Street have restrictions in place. The most current information on closures and detours is available from the Indiana Department of Transportation, Purdue University, and the City of Indianapolis.
Weeks of Welcome at IU Indianapolis
Once students are settled, IU Indianapolis will launch its Weeks of Welcome, running from August 23 through September 6. The celebration begins with the WOW Kickoff from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Monday, August 25, in Taylor Courtyard. Other events include Cookies and Canvas on Tuesday, August 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Campus Center Atrium; the Annual Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, August 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Taylor Courtyard; and the Student Involvement Expo on Tuesday, September 2, from noon to 4 p.m., also in Taylor Courtyard.
Both campuses’ move-in periods are not only a logistical effort but also a significant moment of transition for students — particularly first-years — as they begin a new chapter in their education. The coordinated planning, from traffic control to volunteer assistance, ensures that the process remains as smooth as possible for students and families alike.
For many, move-in is more than just hauling boxes and meeting roommates. It’s the first real step into campus life, filled with anticipation, excitement, and the promise of new experiences. Whether at Bloomington or Indianapolis, the weeks ahead will be full of opportunities for connection, discovery, and the creation of lifelong memories.
