First-Year Residential Experience
Introducing the First-year Orientation and Residential Experience for Student Transformation. The FOREST at Lake Forest College aims to introduce all students to a rich and vibrant campus community.
Residence Life
Beyond enjoying the convenience of living and learning in the same space, students who choose to live on campus get more from their college experience. Growth happens when students actively contribute to the life of the College, engage in learning outside of the classroom, and develop life-long friendships! When a hall becomes your home, the possibilities are limitless.
Information for New Students
Welcome!
We're excited to welcome you to the Lake Forest College residential community. Whether you're wondering what to pack, where you'll live, or what to expect on move-in day, you'll find everything you need right here.
Start Here
Review Your Housing Assignment
- Check for Residence Hall assignment
- Roommate information
Know Your Move-In Day
Fall Athletes:
- Move-in Date
- Football/Cheer/Dance – Tuesday, August 11, 2026
- All other fall athletes – Tuesday, August 18, 2026
- Arrival/ Check-in time: 9:30am to noon
- Check-in location: Student Recreation Center (SRC).
First Connection Participants
- Move-in Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
- Arrival/ Check-in time: 9:00am to 4pm
- Check-in location: Student Recreation Center (SRC).
New International /ISEP Students
- Move-in date: Friday, August 21, 2026
- Arrival/ Check-in time: 9:00am to 4.30pm
- Check-in location: Student Recreation Center (SRC).
New First-Year /Transfer Students
- Move-in date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Arrival time: 9 am – 1 pm
- Check-in location: Student Recreation Center (SRC).
Resources
Everyday Campus Living
Frequently Asked Questions
Move In
Will I receive an assigned move-in time?
No. Students may arrive at any time during their designated move-in window.
What happens on Move-In Day?
- Check in at the Student Recreation Center (SRC).
- Receive your room key.
- Proceed to your residence hall.
- Residence Life staff and Move-In Crew members will direct you to unloading areas and help move your belongings into your room.
Will there be moving bins available?
Yes. Large rolling bins will be available during the primary move-in day. Residence Life staff and Move-In Crew volunteers will also be available to assist.
Is move-in assistance available for early arrivals?
Students arriving before the primary move-in day will have access to moving bins. Residence Life staff will also be available to assist as needed, although a full Move-In Crew will only be available during the primary move-in.
Is parking available?
Yes. Temporary unloading and parking areas will be clearly marked with signage on Move-In Day.
How long can families stay?
Families are welcome to assist students with moving in until New Student Orientation begins at 3:00 p.m. Residence Life move-in assistance concludes at 1:00 p.m.
New Student Orientation
We have a family conflict and will miss part of Orientation. Who should we contact?
Please contact the Gates Center with questions regarding New Student Orientation.
Email: gatescenter@lakeforest.edu
What furniture is already in the room?
Bed (Twin XL), Mattress, Dresser, Closet or Armoire, Desk, Desk Chair, Shower Curtain & Blinds
Are the beds adjustable?
Yes. Depending on the room, beds may be raised or lofted.
- Raised beds are approximately 3 feet high.
- Lofted beds are approximately 4½ feet high.
A rubber mallet can be helpful if you wish to adjust the bed height. You may also submit a Facilities work order after move- in using the QR code located in your room.
Is there air conditioning in the halls?
Nollen, Deerpath, Blackstone, Harlan and Moore have air conditioning. McClure, Gregory and Roberts do not. We recommend a fan.
Where can I see what rooms look like and the dimensions?
On the Residence Life Website.
What are the furniture dimensions in Roberts Hall adjoined doubles?
There are two bed styles in each room. One can loft up to 58 inches high and one can be raised to 33 inches high.
There are two dressers: 36" wide, 29" tall, 29" deep. They have three drawers. They fit under the beds.
There are two desks: 36" wide, 29" tall, 24" deep. There are two chests of drawers that can be used with the desks: 16" wide, 24" tall, 24" deep.
There are two desk chairs. There is a garbage can and recycling can in each room (front and back)
There is one bathroom with a shower curtain provided and toilet paper provided.
Students are responsible for cleaning their own bathroom.
What are the furniture dimensions in Gregory and McClure Hall adjoined doubles?
There are four beds that can be raised to 32 inches high.
There are two dressers: 36" wide, 29" tall, 29" deep. They have three drawers. They fit under the beds.
There are two desks: 36" wide, 29" tall, 24" deep. There are two chests of drawers that can be used with the desks: 16" wide, 24" tall, 24" deep.
There are two desk chairs. There is a garbage can and recycling can in each room (front and back)
There is one bathroom with a shower curtain provided and toilet paper provided.
Students are responsible for cleaning their own bathroom.
Understanding your room assignment:
All college provided furniture must stay in your room.
Example 1: GR-03-351F-B
GR= Gregory (building name)
03= third floor (floor)
351F= room 351 Front (F=Front, B=Back)
-B= Bed B (bed will be A, B, C or D)
Example 2: Room in Nollen
NO-00-005-C
NO= Nollen (hall)
00= Floor (lower level)
005= Room 5 (room)
C= Bed (bed will be A, B, C or D)
Can I request to be in the front/back of an adjoined double?
Assignments to the back/front rooms are auto-assigned to keep it as fair as we can.
How do I know if I have a Front or Back Room?
If your room assignment includes an F, you are assigned to the Front Room. If it includes a B, you are assigned to the Back Room.
Are beds assigned?
No. Students are assigned to a room (and, where applicable, a Front or Back Room), but roommates may decide who uses which bed.
Bathrooms
Are shower curtains provided?
Yes. Shower curtains and rods are provided where applicable.
Are bathroom rugs provided?
No. Students may bring one if they wish.
Do I need to bring hand soap?
Residents with private or suite bathrooms should bring their own hand soap.
Who cleans suite or apartment bathrooms?
Students are responsible for cleaning bathrooms located within their own suite, apartment, or quad.
How do students get toilet paper?
Residents with private or suite-style bathrooms can pick up replacement toilet paper from the Van Ness House.
Can I move furniture in my room? Can I bring my own? n furniture but take a look at the room dimensions to see if your items will fit in the room.
Can I use command strips on the wall?
You can! Just make sure to use them correctly so you don't get charges at the end of the year for wall damage. Blue tape also works well!
Can I bring a headboard or nightstand with built-in outlets?
Yes, provided it fits safely in your room. Remember that all College furniture must remain in the room.
Laundry
Is laundry free?
Yes. Laundry is included for all residential students.
Roommates
What should I do if I experience roommate conflict?
Your first resource is your Resident Assistant (RA). If additional support is needed, your Residence Director is available to help.
International Students
What should I do if travel delays affect my arrival?
If travel delays will impact your move in, please notify both International Student Services and Residence Life as soon as possible.
Appliances
Can I bring an air fryer?
No.
Can I bring a Keurig?
Yes.
Can I have my own refrigerator?
Yes. Personal refrigerators are permitted within College guidelines.
If I rent a microwave from Bedloft, do I also need to rent the refrigerator?
Yes. Bedloft rents combination MicroFridge units.
Is there a microwave in the residence hall?
Yes. Every residence hall has microwaves located in either a lounge or community kitchen.
Kitchen and Cleaning
How should students wash dishes?
Students should scrape food into the trash before rinsing dishes. Dishes should be washed in a residence hall kitchen whenever possible. If a kitchen is unavailable, students may rinse dishes in their room or community bathroom sink.
Are garbage cans provided?
Yes. Each room includes a small trash can. Larger trash and recycling containers are located throughout each residence hall.
Safety and Security
What locks are on residence hall rooms?
Residence halls require student ID card access for entry. Individual room doors are secured with both a keyed doorknob and a deadbolt.
Are Resident Assistants (RAs) trained to administer an EpiPen?
In any medical emergency, call 911 and Public Safety immediately.
Technology
Does the College require a specific laptop?
No. Students may use either a Mac or PC. We do not recommend purchasing a Chromebook. All students receive Microsoft Office through the College, so there is no need to purchase it separately.
Upcoming important Dates
August 22, 2026- New Student fall move-in (9 am to 1 pm)
August 25, 2026- Returning Student fall move-in (9 am to noon)
Keep track of the move-in/move-out schedules and more.
Room and Board Costs
The costs of college are an important consideration for everyone. Here, you will find information about the costs associated with attending Lake Forest College.
Residence Life Staff
Our professional staff is committed to helping residents thrive in our communities. We encourage students to stop by and meet us!