Faculty, staff and students welcomed the incoming class of first-years to campus on Saturday. This class is the largest in recent years, with over 400 students.
President Eric Turner greeted students and their families outside the Michael B. Alexander Science and Technology Center before they checked in, signed up for Welcome Weekend trips and received their room keys.
The day went smoothly partly because of the collaboration between the Office of Student Activities and Orientation and campus partners, as well as the student and faculty volunteers, Resident Assistants (RAs) and orientation leaders who helped with the move in process.
Early education major Tess Combis saw her first move in as a success.
“Move in went very well. We had lots of time to unpack and get things together and now we’re having fun,” Combis said. “I’m looking forward to starting classes, getting into a routine and meeting lots of new friends.
First years moved in during a predetermined time slot and had time to unpack in the afternoon before the RA Carnival, an annual event hosted by the RAs offering food, games and a chance to meet classmates and RAs.
Junior finance major Dom Vitorino is beginning his second year as an RA in Woodland Hall, a primarily first year building. He worked at the RA Carnival and felt the event was a success.
“The carnival was a great event that showed how social this incoming class is,” Vitorino said. “The move in was very exciting, and brought the energy to start a great community.”
Fall athletes had a less traditional first year move in. Those on fall athletic teams moved in about two weeks before the rest of the student population to train for the upcoming season.
Fashion design major Victoria El-Azem enjoyed the early move in.
“Move in was really smooth for me. Especially as a fall athlete there weren’t as many people around, and people were really helpful towards me.”
As for the future, El-Azem is excited to meet other students within her major.
“I’m really looking forward to being around other people who are interested in fashion and sewing,” El-Azem said.
Throughout Welcome Weekend, students had the opportunity to attend different trips into Boston to visit places such as the New England Aquarium, View Boston, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, attend a Boston Harbor Cruise, and more.
Following Welcome Weekend, undergraduate classes begin on Tuesday.
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