Move-In & Move-Out
Move-In & Move-Out Information
Your arrival on campus is an important step into another chapter of your life. We are here to take these steps with you! More details and student-specific information for Move-In & Move-Out will be sent via email.
New to SDM for Spring 2026
- First Year and New to South Dakota Mines students Check-Ins will be Friday, January 9, 2026.
- Check-In will be from 8am to noon.
- New students moving in will check in at Residence Life in the Surbeck Center.
- Our Packing List (see below) gives details on what is provided, what not to bring, and what to bring to campus.
Returning Students
- Returning students may return directly to their housing location any time after 8:00am on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
- Students will not need to check in at a central location.
All campus housing closes Saturday, May 9 at noon.
Graduating Seniors living in campus housing have an automatic free extension through Sunday, May 10 at noon to accommodate commencement activities.
Residents must vacate housing 24 hours after their last final or by Saturday May 9 at noon, whichever occurs first. Students who are interested in staying late must complete the onlineLate Stay Application by April 16 at noon to avoid late charge. Please remember late stay/summer housing is not guaranteed. All requests are reviewed by Residence Life prior to approval or denial of requests. Late submissions may be impacted by limited space availability. The cost of staying over break is a nightly fee (see application for details).
Any applications submitted after noon on April 16, 2026 will include a $50 late charge.
Any submission providing less than 1 full business days’ notice (weekend not included)
will be a $75 late charge. Immediate access for late applications is NOT guaranteed.
All terms in this section apply to every submission type including those eligible
for discounts.
Staying for Summer? If taking summer classes or working in the area this summer, students may live on
campus in Rocker Square I. Visit the Housing Selection information page and click to expand the Summer Housing section for details/sign-up. Students who have graduated and will not continue enrollment
at SDM will need to work with/email SummerConferencing@sdsmt.edu.
Move-Out Checklist
A checklist will be placed on all resident doors that outlines specific items that must be done before leaving for the year. Please refer to this checklist for specific items in your residence hall. In general, all students must return their rooms to move-in condition and ensure the following is done before leaving for break:
- Beds set to room-type designation (see bottom of page)
- In-suite/room bathrooms: clean shower, toilet, sink to move-in condition
- Ensure all University furniture is in room
- Remove all personal belongings and personal furniture
- Set thermostat to 70 degrees and 'auto'
- Remove all trash and recycling to dumpsters outside building
- Donate unwanted items (tentative availability)
- Clean room: dust, sweep, mop, etc. to return room to 'clean' condition
- Close and lock all windows
- Close drapes/blinds
- Turn-off all lights
- Lock doors
- Return rented books to Rocker Shop
- Rocker Square Residents: refer to detailed checklist to ensure all items are cleaned - paying particular attention to oven, stove, microwave, refrigerator, and shower
Note:Any room damage, not returning your room to move-in condition, or improper check-outs will result in fines.
Check Out Options
- Express Check-Out:Connolly, Palmerton, Placer, and Peterson residents will automatically receive "Express Check-Out." Residents must return room to move-in condition and complete the checklist on their door. After they move out, Residence Life will inspect rooms. Rocker Square residents must sign the "Express Check-Out" envelope on their door and return all keys and cards to the Residence Life office. After move-out, Residence Life will inspect rooms.
- Staff Inspection Check-Out:Residents may request a Check-Out with Residence Life staff by contacting their Hall Director (HD) or Assistant Hall Director (AHD) by April 23. These check-outs must occur after the resident has removed all items from their room to allow for a complete inspection. During the HD or AHD Check-Out, staff and resident will review the RCR and collect all keys/cards.
Mail Forwarding:Mail will automatically be forwarded to the home address on file for up to 6 months. If another address is desired, visit theOnline Forms Page
Donating Unwanted Items (tentative):Donation bins from Feeding South Dakota, Love Inc., and Salvation Army will be placed in each Residential area. Students are encouraged to donate items in these bins - look for fliers around campus about accepted items.
Bed Heights
Connolly Doublereturn to bunked position (double rooms), not lofted
- Bottom Bed: bottom hook of the bed rail sits on the 8th slot/rung from the bottom
- Top Bed: top hook of the bed rail sits on the 4th slot/rung from the top
Connolly Single- standard height -bottom hook of the bed rail sits on the 8th slot/rung from the bottom
Palmerton Double- standard height -bottom hook of the bed rail sits on the 8th slot/rung from the bottom
Peterson Double & Study Quads- standard height -bottom hook of the bed rail sits in the 8th slot/rung from the bottom
Peterson Triples-one bed standard height - (bottom hook of the bed rail sits in the 8th slot/rung from
the bottom) & two beds bunked (not lofted)
- Bottom Bed: bottom hook of the bed rail sits on the 8th slot/rung from the bottom
- Top Bed: top hook of the bed rail sits on the 4th slot/rung from the top
Peterson Quads -return all beds to bunked sets (2), not lofted
- Bottom Bed: bottom hook of the bed rail sits on the 8th slot/rung from the bottom
- Top Bed: top hook of the bed rail sits on the 4th slot/rung from the top
Placer- Medium height - Bed end metal rungs toward the floor, bed rails as high as possible
on those rungs
NOTE: furniture should be pushed to the center of each room with desks under beds
for Building-wide paint project
Rocker II-standard height -top hook of the bed rail sits in the 6th slot from the top
New to SDM for Fall 2026 Move-In
- First Year and New to South Dakota Mines students Check-Ins will be Thursday, August 20, 2026.
- Check-In will be from 8am to 4pm.
- New students moving into Peterson, Palmerton, or Connolly Halls will check in at their housing location. Students moving into for other areas will check in at Residence Life in the Surbeck Center.
- Tables for check-in will be set up at the entrances of each building with inclement weather adaptations as needed.
- Our Packing List (see below) gives details on what is provided, what not to bring, and what to bring to campus.
- Detailed Move-In Guide Emails will be sent in Late July/Early August.
Returning Student Move-In
- Returning students may check in between Saturday, August 22 - Sunday, August 23, 2026 between 8am and 4pm
- Students residing in Peterson, Placer, Rocker Square I, and Rocker Square II will check in at their housing location. Students moving into other areas will check in at Residence Life.
- Tables for check-in will be set up at the entrances of each building with inclement weather adaptations as needed.
- Detailed Move-In Guide Emails will be sent in Late July/Early August.
Early Arrivals
In very limited circumstances, an early arrival to campus may be approved if the room/space is ready. Early arrival requests will only be reviewed for move-in dates starting August 19, 2026.
To request early arrival housing, Application and Agreement (under revision) must be completed and submitted/returned to Residence Life by 8am, August 3, 2026.
Early arrival requests for days prior to August 19 will not be approved.
Specific & Unique Early Arrival Groups
Group members in housing will receive details on their check-in process, schedule, and more information from their coach or program coordinator. All information comes through athletics or the coordinator. Athletes are also required to attend the in-person community meetings and Rocker Ready Orientation.
Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, Soccer, Cheer - TBD
Pre-Orientation - TBD
Student Success & WiSE Mentors - TBD
Move-In Crew - Aug. 19
PACKING LIST
Download PDF Version
Items Provided
These items are provided in each room and must be there upon your departure to avoid charges.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Beds | Mattresses are twin extra-long (36”x80”) in all residence halls except Rocker Square I. Rocker Square I mattresses are full-size. |
| Lofting and Bunking | Lofting/Bunking Kits provided in Connolly, Palmerton, and Peterson Halls. Loftable-Frames provided in Placer Hall. No tool needed to assemble. We do have bedrails available for checking out in the Surbeck Central Office. No other lofting or bunking kits are allowed. |
| Dresser | There are at least two drawers available for each resident. |
| Wardrobe or Closet | There is at least one bar of hanging clothes space in each wardrobe or closet. |
| Desk and Desk Chair | |
| Window Coverings | Each window comes with either a set of blinds or curtains (these need to stay in the room when you leave!) |
| Internet |
Placer, Peterson, Palmerton, and Connolly Halls have wired and wireless internet access. |
Items Not to Bring
There is a non-exhaustive list in the Residence Life Handbook of things not allowed in the residence halls. Remember, when you submit your Housing Application, you agree to all the policies and procedures outlined in the Handbook. Residence Life Handbook
The TLDR; version includes extension cords; certain 3D printers; pets; anything illegal; things that could start fires; dangerous things; hookahs; unapproved alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and controlled substances.
Community Items
Things we provide in your shared community spaces.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
|
Community Kitchen Supplies |
Pots, Pans, Baking Sheets Paring/Kitchen Knives, Mixing Bowls, Measuring Cups, Cutting Board Spatulas, Slotted Spoons, Strainers, Pizza Cutter Drying Rack |
| Bike Storage and Supplies | Bike racks are located outside of each residence hall Air and repair stations are available by PC Commons, Peterson and Placer Halls Bikes should be registered (check the Residence Life Handbook for details) Register Here! |
| Laundry | Laundry in Connolly, Palmerton, Peterson, or Placer Halls work with Your Grubby ID. In Rocker Square I, laundry costs are included in your housing costs. In Rocker Square II, the machines use a laundry card you can get in the lobby. |
| Cleaning Supplies | Upright vacuums Broom/Dustpans in Connolly, Palmerton, and Peterson Halls |
| Recreational Spaces and Items |
Game tables in PC Commons and Placer Hall Outdoor Areas (reserved use can be arranged through Residence Life staff) |
| Vending/Ice Machines |
Access to vending machines for snacks (excluding Rocker Square I & II) and beverages
(excluding Rocker Square II). |
Items to Bring
Before deciding on what to bring to campus, we recommend coordinating with your roommate(s). Many of the below items may be shared via roommate agreements.
| Category | Detains |
|---|---|
| Make it Your Own | Blue Painters Tape to hang items on painted surfaces Damage-Free Hanging Strips to hang items on non-painted surfaces Pictures, Wall Hangings, Full-Length Mirror, Message Board, Calendar Carpets/Rugs (we recommend purchasing carpet after you arrive) Chairs, Futon or Couch (two seaters recommended) Blackout Curtains (don’t throw away the originals!) Fish Tank (ten gallons or less and fish only – check the Residence Life Handbook for details) Personal Storage Pillows, Blankets, Comforter/Quilt, Mattress Topper |
| Bathrooms |
Shower Shoes, Toiletries, Shower Caddy, Towel, Robe Private Bathrooms (you need to stock and clean your space regularly) |
| Personal and Safety |
Umbrella, Waterproof Jacket |
| Kitchen and Cooking |
Things to Keep in Your Space Things to Bring to the Community Kitchen (and return to your room once done) Many of your appliances may only be used in a community kitchen. All must be UL-approved,
watched while in use, need an auto shut-off feature, and must be unplugged after use.
These include: Things for Room and Kitchen Use. These also must be UL-approved, attended while on, and have an auto shut-off. Items
with an asterisk (*) can be plugged in during the school term. Everything else needs
to be unplugged when not in use. These include: Rocker Square I & II Kitchens |
| Electronics |
TV, Monitor, Gaming Console |
| Laundry |
Clothes Basket, Hamper |
| Cleaning |
Broom, Dustpan While air fresheners and aerosol cans are great for fresh smells, regular cleaning is required. |
