As students descended onto campus this past weekend, Fordham University welcomed them in waves. From the early arrivals on the varsity teams, resident assistants and Urban Plunge, the bulk of students arrived from Sunday Aug. 28 through Tuesday Aug. 30, instantly filling campus with the boundless energy and spirit it missed over the summer.

Freshman dorms welcomed Fordham’s new arrivals on Sunday. Seneca Ward Bailey, an incoming First-Year who is living on campus, described her experience as a new student: “Move-in went amazingly well, which was made possible by the student helpers who moved everything into the room. I am so excited to explore the campus and become a part of the Fordham community.”

Charles Clency, the assistant dean of students and the director of Residential Life spoke highly of the Office of Residential Life’s gauge on the move-in process.

“This year’s move-in went very smooth, especially on Sunday [Aug. 28] with our new students. Public Safety, orientation staff, campus ops and Residential Life all played a huge role in its success. We appreciate all of our campus partner’s assistance,” said Clency.

Relatedly, Resident Assistants who moved in over two weeks before the majority of campus for training also had high praise about moving in.

Sophia Ghelardini, FCRH ’25, began her role as a Resident Assistant (RA) in Finlay Hall. After her weeks of training, she was excited about the influx of students on campus.

“Move-in was great and I was so elated to meet my new residents. I am super excited for FUEMS to start back up again and begin EMT school,” said Ghelardini.

With move-in came the liveliness and spirit that many Fordham students exude. Many students are joyful and anticipate the start of the semester entirely visible as friends met up for the first time across a summer.

Almost instantly, many students feel the exciting vibes of a new year. Julianna Morales, FCRH ’25, and Allie Coppola, FCRH ’24, reiterated the feeling that the campus feels different this year. Given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the changes that it has made to campus life over the past two years, for many students this is the first year where school feels normal.

“This already feels like a more natural year, and I’m so pumped to go back to the clubs and organizations I joined last year and reconnect with the great people I’ve met through them,” said Morales.

Coppola was in agreement with Morales.

“Move-in was a bit hectic this year, especially moving into an apartment, but it’s great to see how excited everyone is for the semester. There’s so much to look forward to this semester that we haven’t seen in the past few years, and that’s such a great feeling,” said Coppola.

Appraising the feelings of other students on campus, Sofia Hargrave, FCRH ’25, is equally anticipating her new scene as a Ram Van driver.

“I moved in early to train to become a Ram Van driver, and I’d say that is what I’m most looking forward to now that I’m back on campus. I’ve already met a lot of great people through working there,” said Hargrave.

Other students like Dylan Ayer, FCRH ’25, and Brandon Ortwein, FCRH ’25, are most looking forward to seeing their friends. Ortwein said he is excited “see [his] friends again and be able to venture into the city.”

Ayer was stoked to “meet new people and get involved in new clubs on campus.”

Already, Edward’s Parade has seen incredible traffic with the Club Fair. With so many noting a willingness to get involved in clubs and meet those who have traveled close and far to come to Fordham University, it’s no surprise that one of the first events of the year saw the perimeter of Eddie’s packed with students in new clubs on campus.”