Welcome Week
During the first week of classes, join us for a variety of events across campus like Grocery Bag Bingo, Club fest, lawn games on the Quad and more.
New Student Orientation
Welcome to USF New Student Orientation!
We are so excited to walk with you as you begin your journey as a USF Cougar! We understand the transition from high school to college can be an overwhelming process, but we will be here for you every step of the way.
How to Prepare
We are excited to welcome you to USF as you begin your academic journey. Be sure to check out all the resources on this page to best prepare for this transformative time in your life. On this page you'll find:
- Before You Arrive Resources
- Orientation Schedules
- Welcome Week Information
- Move-In & Orientation FAQs
Important Dates 2025
New Student Move-In Day: August 23
New Student Orientation: August 25
Returning Student Move-In Day: August 25
First Day of Classes: August 26
Welcome Week: August 23 - September 1
Before You Arrive
- Take time to think about and prepare for the transition to college. Talk to your fellow USF freshman class and your USF student leaders.
- Get to know your Student Life team!
- Find out more about living on campus! Check out the room dimensions and floor plans for your room.
- Talk with your future roommate. Figure out what you need to bring to college. Use this packing list as a guide, and coordinate with your roommate.
- After you attend a New Student Registration event, buy your books from our USF Online Bookstore. You can send your package to USF and pick them up during Move In Day or any time during New Student Orientation.
- Check your USF student email over the summer. You will start receiving more important information as you start your new journey at USF.
- Pay your bill. Here is some information from Student Accounts on how students can access their bills and different payment options.
- Take a deep breath. Believe in yourself. You can do this!
- Email Student.Life@usiouxfalls.edu with any questions you might have.
Roommates are an exciting part of your college experience!
Housing assignments were sent out mid to late spring semester. We encourage you to reach out to your roommate via phone, text, email or social media before you arrive on campus.
Consider having open and honest communication about your expectations for sharing a space. We want you to have a comfortable and smooth transition as you enter the fall semester. Here are some talking points to go over with your roommate:
- What type of environment do you need for studying?
- Can you fall asleep with music or TV on?
- Describe yourself in three words.
- How do you feel about people of the opposite sex in our space?
- Are you a morning person or a night owl?
- What is your definition of "clean"?
- What appliances/electronics are you planning to bring? What can we share?
- What made you choose USF?
- What is your method of dealing with disagreements or confrontations?
- How are you hoping to get involved on campus?
Move-In Day will be Saturday, August 23, 2025. Check your room number and follow the schedule below.
| Time | Room Number |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:30 a.m | Room numbers ending in 0, 1 and 2 |
| 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Room numbers ending in 3 and 4 |
| 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Room numbers ending in 5 and 6 |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Room numbers ending in 7, 8 and 9 |
College is an exciting time for any new student! We want to make sure you pack what you need to make your dorm room feel like home. We have provided a packing list as a guide for you to use.
Things to Leave at Home
Please leave your grills, toasters, candles, incense, space heaters and portable air conditioners at home. Each residence hall is equipped with a kitchen, including a microwave, oven, stove and sink for your convenience. Additionally, please leave your LED light strips at home as well.
One tip from USF alumni - don't bring all of your clothes! You can always go home to swap clothes for the different seasons we have in Sioux Falls. Also, don't use nails on the walls, 3M Command strips will be your best friend!
Orientation Schedule 2025
New Student Orientation is our way of introducing you to USF's traditions, experiences, current students and the campus you will call home. In addition to the events planned through the regular orientation programs, we have several opportunities designed specifically for residential, commuter and transfer students.
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Residential Students Check In
Grand Island, Sullivan, Collier Baker, Kroske, Burgess, North Halls
| Time | Room Number |
|---|---|
| 8:30-9:30 a.m | Room numbers ending in 0, 1 and 2 |
| 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Room numbers ending in 3 and 4 |
| 10:30-11:30 a.m. | Room numbers ending in 5 and 6 |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Room numbers ending in 7, 8 and 9 |
12 - 2 p.m. | Connect with Campus Offices (if needed)
Ward Lobby, McDonald Center
4 - 5 p.m. | Classroom Tours (optional)
Ward Lobby, McDonald Center
5 - 7 p.m. | President's Picnic & Welcome
Quad
7 - 8 p.m. | Hall and Commuter Student Meetings
Ward Lobby & Residence Halls
8 - 10 p.m. | USF Annual Fall Dance
Salsbury Science Center Plaza
10 a.m. - 11 a.m. | Chapel
Big Z Hall - Salsbury Science Center
11:00 a.m. - 1 p.m. | BBQ Brunch
Quad
5 - 7 p.m. | Dinner with Faculty
Dining Hall | McDonald Center
7 - 9 p.m. | QuadFest
Quad
10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Orientation
Meredith Auditorium, Jeschke Fine Arts Center
12 p.m. - 2 p.m. | Lunch
Dining Hall | McDonald Center
2 - 5 p.m. | Culture For Service in the Community
Quad
7 - 8 p.m. | Campus Ministries Block Party
Salsbury Science Center Plaza
8 - 10 p.m. | Live Band
Meredith Auditorium, Jeschke Fine Arts Center
Move-in and Orientation FAQs
Returning students will move in on August 25, 2025.
- If you are a new residential student, your check-in will be at your assigned residence hall.
- If you are a new freshman commuter student, transfer commuter student or football/volleyball/cross country student, your check-in will be in the McDonald Center - Ward Lobby from 12-2 p.m. This time frame is for you to connect with different departments to ensure you have completed all paperwork.
We recommend wearing comfortable clothes during orientation because you will be sitting in sessions and moving around for activities.
All students are assigned a campus mailbox located in Pierce Hall of the McDonald Center. Please note: Student Life will be emailing you mailbox information in early August via your USF email address. Below is an example of your USF address:
Your Name
1101 W. 22nd St., Box ###
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
Visit our online bookstore. Then follow these instructions.
- Select "order textbooks"
- Select "term", then your "course", "course number" and "section"
- Select "final materials" for the course
- Select "rent", "buy used", "buy new" or "rent digital textbook".
- Select "add item to cart"
- Select "go to cart"
- Review your order and select "proceed to checkout"
Yes! It's free! We will store them in the mailroom, and they can be claimed during or after Move-In Day. Please note: the default shipping address is to campus. If you don't know your mailbox number yet, simply enter "NA" for the box number. If you want your books shipped to your home, uncheck the box that says "ship my books to campus" before entering a new address.