We are excited to welcome you to South Dakota State University! Jackrabbits, get ready for an action-packed Meet State 2024.
Friday, August 23 — New Student Move-In Day
8 a.m.-3 p.m. - New Student Move-In | Sign up for a move-in timeslot in the MyState housing portal.
3:45 p.m. - Meet Your Neighbor | Held on individual residence hall floors.
4:30 p.m. - University Convocation | Sylvan Green | Ring in the new academic year with university leadership.
5:15 p.m. - Welcome Picnic | Sylvan Green | Families and friends welcome.
7 p.m. - Welcome Back Bash | University Student Union | UPC sponsored Student Union takeover with games, activities and movie "Monsters University" at 8:30 p.m.
7-10 p.m. - Vintage Game Night | Jacks Esports Lounge Open | Enrollment Services Center lower level
Saturday, August 24 — Returning Student Move-In Day
9 a.m.-1 p.m. - Returning Student Move-In | Families and friends welcome.
9 a.m. - Sweet Start @ STATE | north side of Young Hall | Fuel your day with friends from the SDSU Foundation offering free coffee and donuts while supplies last!
10 a.m.-4 p.m. - Yellow, Blue and You | Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium | New Jacks photo, Community Connection, lunch, tours and SDSU traditions.
4:30-8 p.m. - Food Trucks | University Student Union Parking Lot
6-9 p.m. - Miller Wellness Center Extravaganza | Explore the Miller Wellness Center with glow yoga, rock climbing and other activities.
7-10 p.m. - Gameday Saturday | Jacks Esports Lounge Open | Enrollment Services Center lower level
9 p.m.-midnight - Dance | Miller Wellness Center South Entrance | Sponsored by H.E.R.O.H.
Sunday, August 25
Morning - Choose Your Adventure | Explore faith-based options, our local parks and gardens.
6 a.m.-11 p.m. - Dakota Nature Park | Free admission.
9 a.m.-10 p.m. - Miller Wellness Center | Gear Rentals | Small fee to rent equipment.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. - McCrory Gardens | Free admission with SDSU ID.
noon-4 p.m. - South Dakota Art Museum | Free admission.
1-3 p.m. - Student Engagement Expo (SEE) | University Student Union | Check out SDSU’s student organizations and learn how to get involved.
1-3 p.m. - Be@Briggs | Explore Hilton M. Briggs Library.
1-5 p.m. - South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum | Free admission.
3 p.m. - Greek Recruitment Kickoff | Student Union Volstorff Ballroom
Evening - Residence Hall Floor Meetings | Get to know your Community Assistant and new neighbors. Information on the time and location of your floor meetings will be provided at check-in and will be included in your Residence Hall Director welcome letter.
Monday, August 26 — First Day of Classes
10 a.m.-2 p.m. - Campus and Community Fall Festival (C2F2) | University Student Union.
5 p.m. - Meet the Greeks Block Party | Greek Village
Tuesday, August 27
7-9 p.m. - 4th Annual Opening Block Party | Jackrabbit Village Plaza | Enjoy s'mores, mocktails, games and fun music. Visit booths from each residence hall, Residence Hall Association and Residence Hall Programming Council, and learn how to get involved!
Choose Your Own Adventure
SDSU and the Brookings community have many great resources for outdoor fun and entertainment. Check out these great locations and outdoor equipment rental opportunities:
- Dakota Nature Park/Larson Nature Center: This 135-acre park is great for hiking, biking, fishing, bird-watching, kayaking and so much more! Located at the corner of 22nd Avenue and 32nd Street, approximately 2 miles south of Walmart.
- McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center: 25-acre botanical garden, plus a 45-acre arboretum just on the edge of campus. Enjoy the beauty of the gardens, the sounds of water features or find a bench and enjoy a South Dakota summer afternoon. SDSU Students receive free admission with their ID.
- Gear Rentals at the Miller Wellness Center: Want to get out and enjoy the outdoors, but need the gear? The Miller Wellness Center has you covered at prices you can afford! Outdoor Programs offers a wide array of outdoor rental equipment available.
- Larson Park Disc Golf Course: Redesigned in May of 2020, this 20-hole course is located just blocks south of campus on 22nd Avenue. The park also features a basketball court and bike paths.
- Urban Canvas: In the heart of Downtown Brookings, large murals adorn the alleyways with vibrant illustrations. Take a stroll through downtown and snap a photo in front of your favorite mural!