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 Fall 2026 Move-In

  • First Year and New to 厙ぴ勛圖 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 ithe first week of 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 the first week of August.

Early Arrivals

Early arrival requests will only be reviewed for move-in dates starting August 19, 2026. Students will be required to request early arrival no later than August 14, 2026.  Approvals will be subject to room availability and staff capacity. To request early arrival housing, Application and Agreement (link will be posted once available).

Details will be posted and sent in July. 

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 - August 1
Volleyball & Soccer - August 7
Residence Life RAs & AMs - Aug. 10 
Cross Country & Cheer - August 14 
Move-In Crew - Aug. 19

New to SDM for Spring 2027

  • First Year and New to 厙ぴ勛圖 students Check-Ins will be Friday, January 8, 2027.
  • 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.
  • Students needing to register for early arrival will need to register no less than 10 days in advance via online form (link will be live once available).

Students Returning to SDM

  • Returning students may return directly to their housing location any time after 8:00am on Sunday, January 10, 2027.
  • Students will not need to check in at a central location. 
  • Students needing to register for early arrival will need to register no less than 10 days prior to leaving for winter break via online form (link will be live once available).

All campus housing closes Saturday, May 8 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 online [Late Stay Application Form - currently under revision] 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, 2027 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 must schedule their in person check out using the Residence Life booking system by May 5 at 4:00 PM. Select the appropriate building when booking. Use the Central Office option only if no other appointments are available or if directed to do so. Appointments should be scheduled after all personal belongings have been removed so staff can complete a full inspection. During the appointment, staff will review the Room Condition Report and collect all keys and access cards.
Bikes on Campus: All bikes must be removed for the summer. Bikes left on campus will be removed and donated. Students staying on campus for summer school must move bikes to the Rocker Square bike racks and have their bikes registered with a sticker by May 11th. Any bikes not in compliance will be removed on or after May 12th. Contact Public Safety for questions on a removed bike that was not relocated prior to the removal date. 

Mail Forwarding: Mail will automatically be forwarded to the home address on file for up to 6 months. If another address is desired, visit the Online Forms Page

Donating Unwanted Items (tentative): Students are always encouraged to make donations of unperishable/unopened food and hygeine Donation bins from Feeding South Dakota, Love Inc., and Salvation Army are sometimes available in residence halls, depending on the year. Students are encouraged to donate items in these bins - look for fliers around campus about accepted items.

Bed Heights

Connolly Double - One (1) Bunk Bed Set, Not Lofted
Bottom Bed: Precisely six (6) open holes showing above mattress frame hooks. 
Top Bed: Precisely three (3) open holes showing above mattress frame hooks. 
Demo Rooms: TBD

Connolly Single - One (1) Standard Height
Precisely six (6) open holes showing above mattress frame hooks. 

Palmerton Double - Both (2) Standard Height
Precisely six (6) open holes showing above mattress frame hooks. 
Demo Rooms: TBD

Peterson Double & Study Quads - Both (2) Standard Height
Stabilizer Bar (Required) on the top four (4) rungs with mattress frame immediately below.
Four (4) empty rungs will be showing above the mattress frame hooks on the side without the stabilizer bar.
Demo Room: TBD

Peterson Triples - One (1) Standard Height & One (1) Bunk Bed Set, Not Lofted
Standard Height Bed: Stabilizer Bar (Required) on the top four (4) rungs with mattress frame immediately below. Four (4) empty rungs will be showing above the mattress frame hooks on the side without the stabilizer bar. 
Bunk Bed Set:
   -  Bottom Bed: Stabilizer Bar (Required) on the top four (4) rungs with mattress frame immediately below. Four (4) empty rungs will be showing above the mattress frame hooks on the front side.
   -  Top Bed: Two (2) empty rungs showing above the mattress frame hooks. Stabilizer Bar (Required) on the bottom four (4) rungs.
Demo Room: TBD

Peterson Quads - Two (2) Bunk Bed Sets, Not Lofted
Bottom Bed: Stabilizer Bar (Required) on the top four (4) rungs with mattress frame immediately below. Four (4) empty rungs will be showing above the mattress frame hooks on the side without the stabilizer bar. 
Top Bed: Two (2) empty rungs showing above the mattress frame hooks. Stabilizer Bar (Required) on the bottom four (4) rungs.
Demo Room: TBD

Placer - Medium Height 
Bed end metal rungs toward the floor, six (6) empty rungs will be showing above the mattress frame hooks.
Demo Room: First Floor Lobby

Rocker II - Standard Height
Five (5) empty rungs showing above the mattress frame hooks. 
Demo Room Unavailable

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 (36x80) 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.
Other lofting or bunking kits are prohibited.
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 Desk styles vary. Some have built in drawers and others are writing desks with rolling pedestal storage. 
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.
Rocker Square I & II have wireless internet only.
No cable services provided.

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
Palmerton, Connolly, Peterson, Placer Halls

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) with via a Facilities Services online form. 
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.
Recreational Spaces and Items

Game tables in PC Commons and Placer Hall
Study Spaces (network printers available in PC Commons, Peterson and Placer Halls)
TV and Lounge Spaces
Board/Card Games (availability varies)

Outdoor Areas 
Picnic Tables
Sand Volleyball Court outside of Palmerton Hall (RL programming takes priority)
The Pit by the PC Commons (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).
Access to the 24/7 Marketplace on the first floor of Rocker Square I.
Ice machines are available in the PC Commons, Peterson, and Placer Halls.

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 (dont 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)
Toilet Paper (even flushable wipes can cause septic issues, we recommend paper only)
Hand Soap, Hand Towel, Air Fresheners
Toilet Plunger, Toilet Bowl Brush, Cleaner, Bathroom Drain Hair Catcher

Personal and Safety

Umbrella, Waterproof Jacket
Warm Clothing (enough for ten days without doing laundry)
Clothes Hangers
Reusable Water Bottle
Small Tool Kit (electronics and maintenance)
Bike, Sporting Equipment (lots of rules for this one - see Residence Life Handbook for details)
Bike Lock (U-Lock or similar, chain locks are cut easily and are not secure)
Insurance Information (health and renters)
Inventory of Items
Lock Box
Pepper Spray

Kitchen and Cooking

Things to Keep in Your Space
Trashcan (we recommend the tall kitchen size less trash trips)
Mini-Refrigerator or Freezer (one per resident, up to 6.0 cubic feet)
Microwave (one per bedroom)
Can Opener, Silverware, Plates, Bowls, Cups

Things to Bring to the Community Kitchen (and return to your room once done)
Dish Soap
Drying/Paper Towels
Storage Containers, Baggies
Pantry Items

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:
Air Fryers
Electric Griddles
Hot Plates
Microwave Ovens
Sandwich Makers/Grills
Toasters/Toaster Ovens

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:
Blenders Stand/Hand Mixers
Coffee Makers*
Electric Kettle
Rice Cooker
Slow Cookers/Crock-Pot

Rocker Square I & II Kitchens
The kitchens have a refrigerator, microwave, stove, and oven. Communicate with your apartment mates to decide how to fully stock your kitchen.

Electronics

TV, Monitor, Gaming Console
Non-Halogen Desk Lamp, Alarm Clock
Fan (tower fans work great in small spaces)
Surge Protectors (maximum cord length of six feet). Charging Cords

Laundry

Clothes Basket, Hamper
Laundry Detergent, Dryer Sheets (we recommend hypoallergenic and sensitive skin types)
Small Magnetic Whiteboard and Marker to label your machines when in use

Cleaning

Broom, Dustpan
Mop, Tile Floor Cleaners
Small Vacuum (upright vacuums are available through your RA)
Disinfecting Wipes, Electronic Wipes, Duster/Dust Wipes, Paper Towels/Washable Towels
Glass Cleaners

While air fresheners and aerosol cans are great for fresh smells, regular cleaning is required.

Contact Residence Life

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.