STORRS, CT (WFSB) – The University of Connecticut welcomed a record-breaking freshman class.
More than 4,700 first-year students moved into residence halls at the Storrs campus ahead of the fall semester.
Move-in began Thursday and continued through Friday for the Class of 2029, which included approximately 6,500 students university-wide.
This year marked the first time UConn Storrs surpassed 20,000 undergraduate students.
Returning students were scheduled to move in over the weekend, and university officials urged anyone traveling through the area to plan for delays due to increased traffic.
Among the students who settled in was Kate Dannenberg, a nursing major from Leesburg, VA.
She moved into Connecticut Hall, a new residence building that opened last year.
“A little chaotic, but we are getting through it,” Kate Dannenberg said.
She admitted that she felt “a little nervous, a little stressed out,” but was ultimately excited to begin college life.
Her mother, Becki Dannenberg, praised the university’s organization during move-in.
“Very well organized [Thursday],” Becki Dannenberg said. “Check-in was very smooth.”
Kate Dannenberg said she was part of the university’s nursing learning community, which included other incoming students like Sally Chen, who cited UConn’s strong nursing program and welcoming campus environment as reasons she chose the school.
“I like helping people,” Chen said. She also expressed interest in a career in healthcare.
Kate Dannenberg added that she was leaning toward pediatrics but was open to exploring different specialties.
Roommates Gabriella and Sally received some parting advice from their sisters. One was a current UConn junior, while the other was a recent graduate.
“Have fun, but also study. Reach out to professors if you need them. But really enjoy the four years, because they go by fast,” said Haley Pereria, a UConn alumna.
UConn received more than 62,000 applications for the Class of 2029, with an acceptance rate of about 54 percent, according to university data.
Move-in was also underway at several other Connecticut universities.
Students at the University of Hartford and Quinnipiac University arrived on Friday, Southern Connecticut State University planned to welcome students on Saturday, and Central Connecticut State University was set to move in freshmen on Sunday.
Classes at UConn were scheduled to begin on Monday.
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