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��.

Watch the short .

Incoming students get their first taste of that as they push, pull, carry and drag their necessities to their new residence halls at the University of Louisville during the start of the fall semester. Family members beaming with pride and brimming with tears trail behind.

This year, University Housing and the Resident Experience is projecting almost 100% occupancy, with more than 3,900 University of Louisville students moving campus housing to begin their college years.

As has been the case in recent years due to COVID-19, move-in dates and times were staggered over a few days to alleviate crowding.��

UofL President Kim Schatzel and her husband, Trevor, were on hand Thursday to greet newly arriving students and families on Belknap Campus. They were stylishly attired in their bright red “Move-In 2023” t-shirts and posted a selfie on .

The Robinson family of Louisville were pleased with the ease of moving into Belknap Village South, saying the only holdup they experienced was as traditional as it gets — at the elevators.��

Tatyana Robinson, 17, who plans to major in criminal justice, said she chose UofL because of its diverse student population and it was close to home.

“I’m a big people person,” she said. “I’m just glad to see people from all different experiences.”

UofL has long been a part of dad Chris Robinson’s life, he said, and he was happy his daughter would be continuing that tradition.��

For Tatyana’s mother, Rana, UofL’s proximity to home made all the difference.��

“If we want to see her, if I need a hug, I can come see her real quick and I can go back home and she can go back to her college life,” she said.

Pre-business freshman Chris Mills said his move-in was “not as chaotic as I thought” and he liked the spacious residence hall rooms. He also said he likes UofL’s campus “and how you can walk from one end to the other in about 10 minutes.”

For more photos, visit UofL’s Flickr page and .��

In addition to some of the newest residence halls on Belknap Campus (the two halls of Belknap Village — primarily for first-year students — and Denny Crum Hall), other residence halls bustling with activity during Move-in Week are Unitas Tower, also primarily for first-years; the suites in Community Park, Kurz Hall, Louisville Hall and Billy Minardi Hall, and apartments in Cardinal Towne, Bettie Johnson, University Pointe and University Tower.

Dozens of have been planned for incoming first-years, commuting students and transfer students.

Just some of the activities (most involving snacking opportunities) include a Cardinal Kickoff Picnic with Schatzel and other administrators; yard games and Bingo Like Never B-4; UofL night at Kentucky Kingdom; sunrise yoga; nachos at Ekstrom Library; a Louisville bike tour; a Sustainability Free Sale; puppies (!);�� a “Taste of Louisville” lunch; a “Looking for Louie” scavenger hunt; an outdoor movie and a night pep rally at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.��

Classes begin Aug. 21.

Gabrielle Lawless and Tony Piedemonte contributed to this story.

Watch the video:

As you navigate the college experience, UofL has your back. You’re never alone in the Cardinal Community. Whether your needs are related to academic success, personal wellness, general well-being or recreational activities, there are resources available to enhance your overall student experience and to ensure a thriving future. Check out these 10 helpful campus websites:

1. ��–��UofL hosts over 400 student organizations that cover a wide variety of student interests. These groups provide a wonderful opportunity to become involved in campus life and to connect with other students on campus who enjoy some of the same things you do. Find the list of contacts on the��.��
2. –The Student Recreation Center (SRC) offers the latest fitness facilities and equipment, complete with basketball and racquetball courts. Campus Recreation also offers activities ranging from group fitness classes to competitive intramural sports to sport clubs.
3. ��–��The Cultural Center supports and offers programs that acknowledge and reflect the experiences of underrepresented populations. It also provides educational opportunities for all members of the campus community to examine their individual and group experiences within a culturally diverse society.
4. ��–��The counseling center offers services such as individual or group counseling, workshops, couples therapy, urgent consultations and psychiatric referrals. Some of the services are covered by student fees and do not require additional payment. The website also provides a list of��
5. ��–��The Cardinal Station and Health Sciences Center (HSC) Campus Health Services (CHS) offices provide basic primary care including physical exams, immunizations, allergy shots, travel medicine, flu and COVID-19 shots, sexual health and contraception and more. CHS has an insurance advocate who assists students enrolled in the UofL student health insurance program.
6. ��–�����Ǵڳ�’s����provides community-building socials with other first-gen students, workshops and individual coaching. Participants can earn completion grants toward their UofL bill.����matches first-generation, first-year students with faculty and staff for individual mentoring in the��.��
7. ��–��The University Writing Center offers one-on-one or group consultations to both undergraduate and graduate students with a trained writing consultant. The center also provides a range of online resources.
8. ��–��This is where many students can find out about outside-the-classroom learning opportunities, whether they are work-related (internships, co-ops) or research-focused. The Center for Engaged Learning (CEL) is an on-campus resource for UofL, the community and industry partners that helps Cardinals better prepare for academic and success.
9. ��–��What’s going on today? You’ll find happenings from Belknap to HSC listed on the official UofL Event Calendar.
10. ��–��The ITS HelpDesk provides technology support to the Cardinal community. The ITS website features a Knowledge Base, Service Catalog and FAQ section with answers to questions like “What software is free for enrolled students?” and “What digital storage options are available?”

Several of these resources are sanctioned by UofL’s or the . The Office of Student Involvement is a hub for cultural, social and recreational programs, while the Student Success Center provides resources related to advising, academics, financial well-being and belonging.

According to the UofL Student Success Center, whether a student is in need of a laptop, exploring a new major, facing a financial barrier or simply looking for a peer who’s been there before, the SSC is the place to turn.

We urge you to explore the wide array of programs and activities at UofL. We’ll be here every step of the way!

Additionally, second-year students are invited to join in on the activities to make up for their Welcome Week celebration being held virtually last year.

“Welcome Week is extremely important to our new Cardinal students because it helps them get familiar with their new home,” said Kaitlyn Robinson, assistant director of Welcome Week and Parents Association. “By participating in Welcome Week, they learn about campus resources available to them and make important connections that are going to help carry them during their first year here at UofL.”

With the continued spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Welcome Week staff are making sure student health and safety is a priority during the events. UofL will follow CDC guidelines, including mask mandates, regardless of vaccination status at any indoor event, surface sanitization and hand sanitizer stations at every Welcome Week event.

Welcome Week this year includes events like Late Night Ice Cream Floats, SOUL, Sunrise Yoga and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity’s Annual Icebreaker. The coordinators have also developed new events for first- and second-year Cards to look forward to, such as the Cardinal Frenzy, Prom and the first-ever Welcome Back Concert.

“I think students are most excited about the Welcome Back concert and Prom this year,” Robinson said.��

Prom is for first and second-year students who did not get to experience their high school prom because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The event is about having fun with friends and coming as you are. After five years of trying to get a concert added to the list of events, SHAED will be taking over Cardinal Stadium for the Welcome Back Concert. Students will be able to be on the field for this inaugural event.

With hybrid events offering both in-person and virtual options to join, students can feel safe and included in making those new memories this year. Along with a hybrid event model, Welcome Week staff are introducing a new event that will let Cards experience various cultures from around the world. WorldFest is an opportunity for students to see how their differences are what make them special in this world and UofL.

“There’s never been a Welcome Week like this one before,” Robinson said.

To stay up to date about the events, download the UofL New Cards app from or the . Welcome Week questions can also be emailed to��ffyiatul@louisville.edu.��

“This is our first experience moving a kid into college, so I’m going to have to try to control my emotions today,” Holly said.��

Sydney was one of approximately 2,248 students ��who moved in on UofL’s official Move-In day. Even more students were to move in over the weekend before the start of classes Monday. ��

“We are so excited to welcome over 3,450 students to the Belknap campus this fall, a new record for the on campus population. We have been preparing all summer long for their arrival and look forward to contributing to their academic success this coming year,” said Thomas Hardy, director of campus housing. ����

Like most families, the summer months for the Dunigans were filled with college prep.��

“There was lots of packing, a couple trips to Target and IKEA here and there. We got a couple days of just mom and Sydney shopping time, so we’ve really had a great experience doing this,” Holly said as she held back tears. “I’m excited for her to have a new experience. When I came to UofL, I didn’t have the dorm experience. I commuted every day, so I didn’t feel like a part of it. With Sydney, it’s fantastic because she’ll be in the dorm and be immersed with the activities, so she’ll really have the full experience.”

Max Correard, an incoming freshman from Connecticut majoring in sport administration, moved into Louisville Hall with help from his parents, Greg and Kris Correard.

Max said he decided to come all the way to UofL from his home in New England because of the people he’s met on campus and the positive feeling he got while being here.

“I came here and I just loved the campus. It felt like a big school, but it’s actually not huge and it just felt right. I met with people here and they made me feel like I was more than just a number. I felt like people were actually interested in me and making sure I got the best education that I can,” he said.

Greg said he and his wife are thrilled to see their eldest son begin his college career.

“I’m excited for him to try everything new and to dive in and find out about all the new traditions on campus,” he said. “I’m excited for him to spread his wings and start out on this new journey.”

.��

Check out more from Move-In Day 2019 below:��

According to Kathy Meyer with the Office of Student Involvement, the event is a good opportunity for new students to connect with the community. The event kicked off on campus with Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, Congressman John Yarmuth and UofL President Neeli Bendapudi.

The students then split up into groups and helped 40 different organizations throughout Louisville.��

“I feel like I didn’t do enough in high school. Being in college and being in this community, this is a great way for me to grow and really help a community that I’m a part of,” said UofL freshman Will Randolph.��

Check out , and additional highlights from Saturday’s efforts below.����

The series of events and activities help first-year, transfer and returning students get a jump start on the fall semester.

“This time is designed to help students meet new and upperclass students, connect with faculty and staff and make UofL their new home,” said Dr. Glenn Gittings, director of Student Activities Center and Special Programs.

There are a number of new elements this year. For the first time, co-hosted Welcome Week with . But, starting next year, Student Affairs will be the primary sponsor of Welcome Week.

“Student Affairs has always been critical to Welcome Week,” Gittings said. “This transition is meant to maximize synergy opportunities and connect with all Student Affairs facilities and departments.”

moved from Wednesday to Thursday, which created a four-day welcome week. Key signature events, like the �� and , remain.

Friday will feature academic and student success programming. In the morning, all first-time freshmen . In the afternoon, students are encouraged to take advantage of , where they can get questions answered and meet faculty, staff and students from their intended area of study.

Those events are a “purposeful opportunity for students to develop more personal, individual connections even before class starts,” Gittings said.

Research shows that establishing those kinds of connections is important for boosting student retention.

The Welcome Week schedule was published in time for , which allowed students and families to plan ahead to take the full advantage of all the events and activities.

Students, faculty and staff are encouraged to download and use the .�� It includes Welcome Week schedules, frequent contacts, interactive campus maps, dining services, hours and more. Students may access the app’s robust resources all year long.��

Gittings said a majority of the incoming freshmen have downloaded the app so far.

Fischer opened his comments by encouraging students to “really jump in and be a big part of our city,” which he noted is going through a renaissance right now, bolstered by $11 billion worth of construction projects.

“I encourage you to use bike share or to walk the city and see everything that’s going on … to see the wonderful transformation,” he said.

Fischer also encouraged students to choose to get involved during their time at UofL.��

“I got involved when I was in college and it changed my life,” he said. “You’re not going to learn as much if you play it safe.”

Fischer outlined three values that drive the city of Louisville: lifelong learning, health (mental, physical and environmental) and compassion.

“Compassion is when we respect our citizens so that their potential flourishes,” he said.

Fischer also acknowledged last weekend’s events at the University of Virginia, strongly condemning white supremacy, racism and bigotry. His statements elicited an enthusiastic applause from the crowd.

“You are entering college at an extraordinary and interesting time. We need your voice,” he said. “We need you to think of yourself as more than someone who is in their second day at the University of Louisville. How do you use your new platform as a UofL student to do good? … Do something for which you expect nothing in return.”

Interim president Greg Postel, who introduced Fischer, encouraged students to ensure their service is not just a one-time event.

“I hope this is the beginning for a lifetime of community service,” Postel said. “(Community engagement) is part of the fabric of what UofL is all about.”

“I’m worried about adjusting from a small town to a big city. I’m excited to meet new people and expand and grow and try new things,” said Freshman Chandler Howerton.��

The number of students living on campus or in affiliated housing near campus has grown to more than 7,000 students — triple the number from 10 years ago.��

Check out more from Move-In Day in the video below:��

“Welcome Week is an important traditional program that promotes new student engagement and success by providing students with opportunities to develop fundamental skills, knowledge and personal connections essential for their transition to UofL,” said Loni Yost, director of First Year Initiatives.��

Some noteworthy events include:

Aug. 16

• Move-In Day, 8 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Move-In Day will feature volunteers, complimentary drinks and pizza for everyone courtesy of Papa John’s.
• Cardinal Kick Off, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Library Lawn West, UofL’s Interim President Dr. Greg Postel helps kick off Welcome Week. Enjoy free food, photo booth, UofL swag, music and a chance to win a new bike.
• Bid Day, 3-10 p.m., Students receive an invitation to the sorority they were matched with through the mutual selection process.

Aug. 17

• SOUL: Student Outreach Uniting Louisville, 8 a.m. check-in; 8:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. service projects, Student Activities Center, includes a free t-shirt, interactive group discussion and group service project featuring Mayor Fischer with the keynote.
• Kick Back in the Stacks, 6-8:30 p.m., Ekstrom Library, The library features a mix of dancers, magicians and other novelty performers; bingo; interactive service project; a photo station; scavenger hunt; local food samples, etc. Learn about the Library and other important campus resources.

Aug. 18

• Alumni Association Picnic, 6-7:30 p.m., Humanities Quad, Enjoy food, music, giveaways, and fun. Hear from SOAR (Student Organization for Alumni Relations) on how to bridge the gap between current students and alumni.
• Night at the Museum: What’s Your Speed?, 7-10 p.m., Speed Art Museum, Enjoy a night of tours, snacks, games, art-making and adventure as students explore the galleries and get to know the Speed Art Museum.

Aug.19

• CARDnival, 8-10:45 p.m., SAC West Plaza, Join the Student Activities Board for a night out at the CARDnival complete with arcade and casino games, featuring free food, music, inflatables, and prizes.

Aug. 20

• 25^th��Annual Icebreaker and All Campus Cookout, 6-8 p.m., Red Barn/West Plaza, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and National Pan-Hellenic Council’s (NPHC) fraternities and sororities welcome all new students to the campus.

The full schedule of events is .��