“Move-In day is such a joyous occasion for all of us in the UD community,” said UD President Dennis Assanis. “The day literally brings home the start of a new academic year, full of dreams and aspirations. We warmly welcome all our new and continuing students and wish them the very best success for their pursuits at UD.”

Outside of South Academy, Smyth and Redding halls, resident assistants blasted music, belted out lyrics, served as directional guides and helped families navigate the check-in process. Student-athletes from UD Athletics provided extra muscle, as well.

For some of UD’s newest students, like Dover native Brinn Bushweller and Nora Catalano, of Stow, Mass., Move-In Weekend offers a chance for new Blue Hens to meet for the first time. Bushweller and Catalano had found one another months ago on Instagram and built a connection before deciding to give it a go as roommates.

For others, studying at UD marks the continuation of lifelong friendships.

Staten Island natives Joe Zawatsky, Bradley Rachlin and Michael DeNicola are roommates in a “triple” at South Academy. Zawatsky, a computer engineering major, and Rachlin have known each other since elementary school. Zawatsky toured UD with DeNicola, who will study business. They shared details of their campus visit with Rachlin, a chemical engineering major. Almost simultaneously, the trio realized UD was the right fit.

“I had tears in my eyes as we drove over the Delaware Memorial Bridge,” said Tracy Rachlin, Bradley’s mother, “but I know that this is such a welcoming place, and it’s a good adventure for three good friends.”

Cars, SUVs and moving vans started lining up outside of South Academy at 8 a.m. Laptops, heavy plastic storage bins, and mini refrigerators were among the age-old standards getting unpacked. A few atypical items, like golf clubs and electronic keyboards, got hauled into the hall, too.

“We actually saw one family bringing in a small couch,” said Blue Hen Helper Treasure Wright, a third-year criminal justice major lending a hand at Move-In Weekend. Twin sisters Serena and Sabrina Ballah joined Wright as volunteers. Their surroundings reminded them of their first UD experiences. “Seeing the parents cry with their students as they say goodbye, it’s emotional, but it’s such a special moment for them,” said Sabrina, a double major in international relations and Mandarin.

José-Luis Riera, UD’s vice president for student life, spent the morning at Redding Hall greeting new students and their families alongside more Blue Hen Helpers — students, staff members and community leaders who assist incoming students with the move-in process by carrying their belongings into residence halls.

“The enthusiasm during Move-In Weekend — especially among our new students but also their families and our Blue Hen Helpers — is amazing and inspiring,” Riera said. “This is such a warm and welcoming community, and you really feel it on a day like today. Throughout the year, there are so many opportunities for students to learn, grow and get involved both inside and outside the classroom. It’s this culture of connection that makes UD such a special place.”

It was a family affair for engineering student Anne Watson, whose mother Lauren Leonard, graduated from UD in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.  

“I kept UD in mind throughout my college search process and realized this was absolutely the right place for me,” said Watson, a Wilmington, Del. native who had eight family members assisting her move into Redding Hall. “So many people are willing to help you. The engineering college is excellent. 

“I know I belong here.”