UD received the most applications in its history and welcomes its largest first-year class. That class is the most diverse, has the most Delawareans and has the most international students in University history.

University leaders, staff and students and UD and Newark Police were out in force to help new students and their families move cars safely into position for unloading clothes, decorations, computers, TVs and the other items. Blue Hen Helpers, clad in green shirts, helped lug boxes and suitcases into residence halls and up stairs. The Information Technologies department deployed staff to residence halls George Read North and Harrington on Saturday. IT help will be available Sunday at Harrington.

Sophia Truono came from Wilmington, Delaware, to move into Louis L. Redding Hall, with help from her mother, Teresa, who goes by the nickname “Pie.” Channeling her enthusiasm for starting at UD, Sophia created a blue-and-gold wreath to decorate her room. She plans to major in psychology and hopes to become a psychiatrist.

“I’m very excited and there’s a lot happening,” Sophia Truono said. “I’m ready to start a new chapter in my life. There were a lot of students and others helping. They were all very friendly.”

Jayson Jeffers of Newark, Delaware, is also part of that largest-ever group of Delawareans attending UD. With help from his mother and father, Jayson moved his clothes and belongings from the family car to the grass in front of Russell B Residence Hall. He plans to major in sports management.

“I’m on my own now,” Jayson said. “It’s exciting and nerve-wracking.”

Though moving out of his family home, Jayson said he is already a member of Each One Reach One, whose mission is to introduce African-American first-year students to the concepts of unity and community in order to facilitate a smooth transition and promote achievement within the UD community. The program, which has an orientation session scheduled for Sunday, is among the services provided by the Center for Black Culture.

For a move-in photo album, click here.

To see move-in on social media, click here.

Students arriving Saturday were asked to be settled into their residence halls by 4 p.m., when 1743 Welcome Days events were to begin, including a family send-off in the Perkins Student Center with the Office of the Dean of Students.

The 1743 Welcome Days, named for the year to which UD traces its roots, are UD's opening weekend celebration. Students have opportunities to connect with their new community, explore all that UD has to offer, and consider how they will contribute during their time here.

For those interested in cheering on UD’s intercollegiate athletic teams, there is an event Sunday night on south campus. GameDay 101, which begins at 8 p.m., will help explain the spirits and traditions of the Fightin’ Blue Hens! The evening will include tailgating fun, food and giveaways, a class photo on the field, signing of the class banner, and a pep rally. South campus is about a 15 minute walk. Shuttle buses will operate. The football season begins Thursday, Aug. 31, with a game against Delaware State at Delaware Stadium on south campus.

At Monday night’s Twilight Induction Ceremony, beginning at 7 p.m. on the south Green, President Assanis and Provost Domenico Grasso will formally welcome students.

The 1743 Welcome Days website is here.

The Office of Residence Life and Housing notes that thousands of sophomores, juniors and seniors will be moving into residence halls on Sunday and Monday. As on Saturday, there will be special unloading locations.

In many areas of campus, walkways will become driveways as students and families unloading vehicles are able to drive onto the bricked pathways near those buildings during peak move-in hours.

Parking Services and University Police staff will be available around campus to direct traffic.

Cars unloading in the fire lane must always have a licensed driver stay with the vehicle. The University reserves the right to tow any vehicle in violation of parking regulations.

Parking and loading/unloading are prohibited on Academy Street.

Additionally, University Police advises that students should continue to use crosswalks and be vigilant of their safety when walking, as there are likely to be many drivers in the area unfamiliar with campus.

More information about fall move in can be found on the Residence Life and Housing website.