Staggered move-in time slots sought to reduce the typical move-in crowding and chaos. After all, it takes a village to make first-year students feel welcome in their new surroundings.
Thanks to UVA’s Greeters program volunteers, students and their families didn’t have to do all the heavy lifting alone. Greeters Franz Villarroel, Alhaji Bah and Leah Germain said they remembered the stress surrounding their first move-in days and decided to become Greeters to give back to new Hoos.
“I love seeing other fresh, excited faces ready to come to UVA,” Germain, a fourth-year student, said. “I like chatting with people, seeing where they’re from and why they picked UVA.”
Resident advisers were on deck, warmly welcoming students to their new dorms, introducing themselves and handing out swag like bucket hats, stickers and magnets.
Aida Doucoure, a fifth-year student pursuing her master’s in public health, is a resident adviser at Echols House. With four years of experience in UVA’s Housing and Residence Life under her belt, Doucoure knows a thing or two about move-in day.
“I love seeing so many different people from different places around the world,” Doucoure said. “Over these past couple of years, I’ve been able to form a really strong sense of community and find my home here at UVA as an RA.”
Part of Doucoure’s role is helping her hallmates connect with one another. On Thursday evening, she planned to gather her residents for dinner in the dining hall and take some of them to a rock-climbing event in the Slaughter Recreation Center.
“My best advice for first-year students is to believe in yourself and trust yourself, even if things aren’t always going your way,” she said. “You have to be confident in who you are.”
Check out more scenes UVA Today photographers captured from the first wave of move-ins.
