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Lakeland college move-in dates to know

Whether you’re a student, a family member, or just a driver looking to avoid traffic, keep these college move-in dates in mind.

August 12, 2025 • 
Connor Jacobson
A black-and-white photo of two people moving into Florida Southern College by a car with the trunk and passenger door open.

This photo from the library’s Ledger archives shows students moving into Florida Southern in 1985.

Photo via Lakeland Public Library

Let the great migration begin. After returning home for the summer, thousands of students will soon start the time-honored tradition of college move-in days in Lakeland.

Whether you’re the bright-eyed student, the family member assigned to carry their coffee machine (and not to say anything embarrassing), or just a driver looking to avoid traffic, here are the dates to know for Lakeland’s three residential colleges.

Florida Polytechnic University
Friday, Aug. 15-Sunday, Aug. 17
Expect traffic: FL-33, Polk Parkway, I-4

Southeastern University
Friday, Aug. 22-Saturday, Aug. 23
Expect traffic: Crystal Lake Drive, Bartow Road, Combee Road

Florida Southern College
Saturday, Aug. 23-Monday, Aug. 25
Expect traffic: Lake Hollingsworth Drive, South Florida Avenue, Frank Lloyd Wright Way

Pro tip: This is also prime shopping time at big box stores — plan accordingly if you’re making any Target or Walmart runs during these dates.

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