More than 3,900 are expected to be filled this year at the , marking a record-breaking 97% occupancy rate. Of these, nearly 1,900 first-year students unpacked their belongings in their new college homes this week, contributing to the unprecedented demand for on-campus housing.

UofL President Kim Schatzel and her husband, Trevor, were on hand to greet students and families on  extending a warm welcome to the newest Cardinals.

Lindie Hunter, a proud parent from Charlestown, Ind., is excited and nervous as her children embark on their college journeys. While all of her children will be attending  UofL this fall, only her daughter has chosen to live in the residence halls.

“It’s very exciting but also nerve-wracking. It’s the next step of adulthood,” Hunter said.

She emphasized that UofL’s affordability and free tuition benefit for dependent children offered by her employer  were key factors in their family’s decision.

“We are taking advantage of the tuition assistance,” she said. “I’ve been a student here for two semesters taking classes online and now my daughter gets to experience on-campus life.”

Three first-year students, Massia Diomande, Amy Davis and Madelyne Moser, explored campus after moving into Kurz Hall, a residence hall known for its . These students are all members of the

“I’m looking forward to living with people I’m taking classes with,” said Moser, a Louisville native. “It’ll be a close-knit community.”

Diomande, from Hardin County, shared that move-in went smoothly and she’s excited about her new, comfortable room.

Davis, from Paintsville, Ky., expressed anticipation rather than nerves about the first day of classes. “I’m ready to have a schedule and start going to class,” she said.

Dozens of  have been planned for incoming first-year, commuting and transfer students. Some of the activities include a Cardinal Kickoff Picnic with Schatzel and other UofL leaders; yard games and Bingo Like Never B-4; UofL night at Kentucky Kingdom; sunrise yoga; nachos at Ekstrom Library; After Hours event at the Speed Art Museum; and a Student Government Association welcome lunch.

Classes begin Monday, Aug. 19.

View more photos from Move-In 2024 on .

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Freshman McKena Alford sheltered from the drizzle outside University Tower, waiting for her parents to arrive and help her move a cart full of her belongings inside. Coming from a family of UofL fans, she had always expected to attend the university one day. That day had finally arrived, bringing with it a lot of emotions.

“I cried this morning because my bedroom was empty,” said Alford. “But I’m excited to start the whole UofL experience.”

Alford’s story is a familiar one, shared by her classmates and countless Cards before her. But this year, many students will be experiencing campus living as no Card has before, thanks to a slew of upgrades the university has made.

“We’re excited to have our residents back on campus and especially excited to add University Pointe and The Nine to the University Housing inventory. The addition of these two facilities, along with our existing buildings, allows us to offer housing to over 7,000 UofL students,” said Director of Campus Housing Julie Weber. “We are also pleased to offer a new home to the Honors Living-Learning Community, which is now housed in Kurz Hall, and to have added a new Living-Learning Community in Threlkeld: the Arts & Sciences Exploring Majors and Careers.”

At the revamped Kurz Hall, Resident Assistant Megan O’Brien was on hand last week during Move-In Day to help students get settled in their new dorms. Having served as an RA there last year as well, O’Brien looked forward to the changes the new arrangement will bring.

“In an LLC, students who live together likely take the same classes, fulfill the same requirements, and have the same scholarships,” explained O’Brien. “It really gives them the urge to form a community.” 

Sophomore Kate Jackimowicz stood in her University Pointe apartment surrounded by boxes of her belongings. Unlike most students, she couldn’t rely on the help of her parents to move in — they were 14 hours away at the family’s home in Boston. But luckily for her, University Pointe provided Student Living Assistants to move her things and help her feel at home, which she expects to be significantly easier this year.

“I lived in Unitas last year, so this is a major step up,” said Jackimowicz. “Living here will definitely help my grades because I do better when I can lock myself in my room and have my own area.”

As the rain cleared and rooms were put in order, students headed off to enjoy the activities that mark the beginning of yet another new school year.