On Tuesday, more than 20,000 students once again filled sidewalks and classrooms at the University of Virginia, marking the dawn of a new academic year.
Some were returning to familiar territory – greeting friends, reuniting with favorite professors and retracing paths to their chosen schools, labs and departments. Others – including the more than 3,900 new Hoos in the Class of 2023 – were attending their first class at the University after a busy Move-In Weekend.
The excitement was palpable, and part of a busy week on Grounds. On Monday, new and returning students enjoyed the Student Activities Fair, where they could make contact with some of the more than 500 student organizations filling the Lawn and McIntire Amphitheater. On Wednesday at 8 p.m., they will gather for the annual Rotunda Sing, a beloved tradition that turns UVA’s iconic centerpiece into an a cappella stage.
Soon, the new semester will be in full swing. New routines will become familiar; freshly printed syllabi will give way to papers, tests and exams. For now, though, enjoy a few photos from this year’s fresh start.
Happy first day of class, UVA!
December 22, 2024
