St. Olaf or bust – you’re coming to campus!
Got questions about Move-In Day? Want to make your move to campus efficient and easy? We’ve got you covered! Read through all the information below so you are ready to go on Move-In Day this February!
Traveling to Campus:
If you are traveling to campus by car, you will likely approach the Hill from one of three main roads: I-35, Hwy. 77, or US-52. Upon your arrival to campus, St. Olaf staff will be ready to assist you in finding your residence hall and will explain parking procedures. If you are looking for an address to input into a GPS, please use:
1520 St. Olaf Ave. Northfield, MN 55057
If you plan to travel to campus by plane, Northfield Lines has a shuttle service that runs from the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport to campus. Tickets can be purchased online. Please note that at this time, Northfield Lines is only offering a one-way shuttle. Incoming students traveling with family members are advised to utilize a rental car so guests can return to the airport.
Flying to Minnesota:
The closest airport to campus is the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Additional information about the airport, airlines, terminals, and transportation options can be found on the transportation website.
Hotels in Northfield:
During our opening, Fairfield Inn & Suites and the Country Inn & Suites are two great options. If they are full, we’d recommend AmericInn.
Roommate and Housing Assignments:
We are a vibrantly residential community here on the Hill and are excited to welcome you to your new home! Our team in Residence Life is here to both support you and enrich your time on campus as you live in our residence halls throughout your St. Olaf experience.Find out about the rooming selection and roommate selection process:
Check-in Process:
One of the key experiences on Move-In Day is moving into your residence hall. No need to worry – we will be here to help you each step of the way! New students should hear from Residence Life with details about the check-in process in the weeks leading up to Move-In Day.
Labels Make All the Difference:
Clearly marked items will help make the unloading and moving process go smoothly. Be sure your containers are closed securely and every item is labeled. Each label should have your last name, residence hall name and room number (for example: Smith, Kittelsby 101).
Technology Considerations:
St. Olaf does not have a computing “requirement” – you are free to use whichever device that best fits your needs and style. Students bring a wide variety of devices to campus including PCs, Macs, Linux machines, iPads, and Chromebooks. We update an article on recommendations for a new computer, but be aware: regardless of your choice in hardware, some curriculums and departments may require use of special software applications that aren’t compatible. In these cases, software required for coursework will be available in computing labs on campus.
If you are buying a computer, you may be eligible for certain hardware discounts. Additionally, the library has a large collection of equipment available for short-term check-out including laptops, iPads, cameras, audio recorders, video game consoles, and much more! St. Olaf IT provides recommendations and support for your arrival.The IT Helpdesk Website is a great place to start learning about technology on campus.
Prohibited items:
It is strongly recommended to review the St. Olaf College Residence Life Policies and Procedures prior to moving to campus. Commonly requested items for residence hall rooms that are prohibited are as follows: halogen lamps, candles, microwaves, hot plates or other cooking appliances, outlet expanders or “octopus plugs” – so just leave those items at home! Coffeepots with automatic shut-off are permitted. Keurigs are permitted. Students are not allowed to build homemade lofts or add privacy walls in their rooms.
What if I forget something:
It is normal for students and/or families to make a trip to the Northfield Target if you have forgotten something. Many students also order items online to be delivered to campus.
Can I mail my belongings to campus:
Yes, students are able to ship items to campus. We ask that students wait until as close to move-in as possible to not overwhelm our Post Office. When you are ready to ship, please use the following address: