Arrival, Check-in & Orientation
New students must complete the items in the following checklist before their arrival. Each is a hyperlink to where you need to go to complete that item. Students who do not complete the list will be delayed at check-in.
Spring Arrival Dates
All students and families should arrive at the Johnson Ballroom in Salveson Hall (106 S. Sixth Street, Forest City) to begin the university office check-in process, pick up room keys and begin move-in. Students will receive an email over winter break including the Pre-Arrival Check-In Form to start the check-in which should be completed before arrival. Students who do not complete the Pre-Arrival Check-In forms beforehand will delay their check-in process upon arrival.
First day of classes is Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Things to Know
Plan Ahead
We encourage students and families to plan ahead. On-campus housing is not guaranteed if the housing form and $125 housing deposit are not completed and paid before students are assigned and arrive on campus. Housing assignments are sent out in early January. New students to Waldorf who are eligible for off-campus housing and cannot secure off-campus housing are recommended to live on campus for one semester to acclimate to campus and the community.
Travel and Accommodations
Students and families must arrive on their scheduled check-in day so Waldorf is prepared for their arrival. Unscheduled early arrivals will be expected to make arrangements at local lodging establishments as dorm rooms are being deep cleaned and painted over winter break and are unavailable. We recommend the Forest City Inn (641.585.1448) or Cobblestone Inn & Suites (641.585.3000) for reasonably priced lodging in Forest City for anyone arriving in town earlier than their check-in arrival date. If you arrive on campus after your scheduled arrival date, please contact the Office of Student Life to make arrangements (reslife@waldorf.edu or 641.585.8160).
Transportation to Campus
Students should arrange to fly into the Mason City Airport (Sky West/United). Mason City is only 35 minutes from campus. Students can book flights directly into Mason City on Unitedor other travel sites. To request a ride from Mason City, you must reserve your ride request at least 72 hours in advance. Check out Mason City Municipal Airport or Jefferson/Greyhound Bus Terminal in Mason City for more information, or visit our transportation page.
Move-In Time
Move-in times for each arrival day are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (after the Johnson Ballroom check-in process is completed) unless otherwise stated. It is highly recommended that students and families arrive early on their assigned arrival day. This allows sufficient time for students to complete the check-in process, move into their assigned residence hall and visit any offices as needed.
Meals
Students will use their student ID to access the meal plan program in the main dining hall or Warrior Crossing (Atrium). On check-in days, student ID pictures will be taken in the Johnson Ballroom for students who have not yet received their ID. Meals are provided for early-arriving students starting at dinner time, 5 p.m., of their scheduled check-in date. Student meal plans begin with breakfast on Monday, January 13, 2025.