A UD dad unloads a car during move-in as first-year students and their families arrive on campus on Saturday, Aug. 22.

A new chapter begins

Article by Amy Wolf Photos by Evan Krape and Kathy F. Atkinson August 22, 2026

First-year Blue Hens move into residence halls and begin their UD experience

Allison Li got a stuffed Minion on a family trip to Disney World when she was 3 years old and since then hasn’t spent a single night apart from it. The plush toy has gone on every vacation and sleepover — and has now made its way to the University of Delaware, where Li will call home for the next four years.

Li joined about 4,100 other first-year students in moving into their rooms in UD residence halls on Saturday, Aug. 22. The University’s 2026 move-in weekend is part of UD Welcome Days, which will include Twilight Induction on The Green Monday evening and the start of classes Tuesday.

“I loved the UD campus the first time I visited, and I really couldn’t picture myself going anywhere else,” said Li, who’s undeclared but planning to major in biology or integrated health sciences.

Roommates Brynn Bourdeau, Allison Li and Olivia Serrambana (left to right) get settled into their dorm room.

Li said she’s most nervous about starting college classes — she’s determined to get a 4.0 — but she’s excited to meet new friends, get involved on campus and explore Newark’s Main Street.

“It’s a little scary starting something new, but I’m looking forward to this next chapter,” she said.

Blue Hen Helpers — representing a variety of UD clubs, organizations and athletic groups — help incoming students settle into their new homes.

Despite some rain early in the day, the excitement on campus was palpable as parents and family members unloaded microwaves, coffeemakers, sports gear, bedding and posters. Students arrived at residence halls decorated with streamers and balloons and were greeted by Blue Hen Helpers waving blue and gold pom-poms. University staff and faculty members also pitched in to greet students and help them move into their new homes.

"There’s something incredible about how nervous energy, first hellos and plastic bins turn into a floor full of friendships by the end of the day,” UD President Laura Carlson said. “It was great to be here welcoming our students and meeting with their families. It was an emotional day, but our Blue Hen Helpers kept everyone’s energy up.”

UD President Laura Carlson welcomes students and families to campus.

Jason Frani, a biology major from Queens, New York, chose UD for its great study abroad program, but he also loved the campus feel. As he settled into his residence hall room, he said it was a bit stressful and chaotic to keep track of all his things, but he was looking forward to making his room feel more like home. To help with that, his mom surprised him with a pillow featuring a picture of his dog, Max.

“I’ll miss Max almost as much as I’ll miss my mom, so this was a really nice surprise,” he laughed.

Jason Frani, pictured with his parents, received a surprise gift — a pillow featuring a picture of his dog — to make his dorm room feel more like home.

James Graham, a financial planning and wealth management major, said moving into his residence hall was a surreal moment.

“I’ve been waiting for this moment all summer,” he said. “I’m so excited. It’s gonna be a really fun time. I’ve really been looking forward to starting this next chapter of my life. New opportunities, new people — I’m looking forward to all of it.”

Roommates Zachary Pollack (second from left) and Mason Pust (second from right), both from Wilmington, Delaware, have been friends since kindergarten. Pollack’s parents are Double Dels, and Pust’s dad, Joel Pust, is a professor of philosophy.

Shaina Nellis, a sociology major, applied to 12 different colleges and toured most of them, but UD felt like the perfect fit.

“It was the first campus that I felt comfortable at and could picture myself walking around,” she said.

Shaina Nellis (left), pictured with roommate Caitlin Cammett (and YoUDee!), applied to 12 different colleges and toured most of them, but said UD was the only one that felt like home.

Nicole Long, associate vice president for student experience and belonging, said that first-year student move-in is a special day filled with excitement and anticipation.

“Students are learning how to be more independent, they’re learning about where they want to go in life, and they’re going to meet new friends — starting at this very moment,” she said. “They’re also going to learn what it means to be a part of our community. We have so many members of our University community out today to help students with move-in, which to me signals the welcoming environment that we’re trying to create.”

Members of the rowing team, (left to right) Milly Murphy, Chinemere Njoku, Daniella Sexton, Samantha Ryan, Chloe Kappen and Maya McCottry, welcome new students to campus.

Olivia Serrambana, a criminal justice major, is excited to be a part of the Blue Hen community.

“I visited UD and just fell in love with the campus,” she said. “Then I did more research about all of the different programs and different things they offer, and I couldn’t see myself at any other school.”