In a return to move-in-day tradition, more than 1,600 students at the College and the Eastman School of Music embarked on their Rochester experience.
First-year and transfer students from across the nation and the globe moved onto the River Campus and the Eastman School of Music Campus at the University of Rochester this week.
The College’s incoming Class of 2026 includes about 1,500 students from more than 40 countries and nearly every US state, plus Guam, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. International students comprise 24 percent of the class, with substantial increases in the number of students from India and South Korea.
The Eastman School of Music expects about 130 first-year students from eight countries and 30 states.
This was the first time since 2019 that students, parents, staff, and volunteers could roam the campuses mask-free—with COVID-19 levels currently low—on move-in day.
“It’s great to see people’s faces again,” said Dan Watts, interim executive director of residential life and housing services. “It’s back to how it was before. It’s nice to have students start their new journey in college, move in, and meet their roommates and their roommates’ families.”
Enjoy this look at the Class of 2026’s first days on campus, with photos by University photographer J. Adam Fenster.
PARENTAL PRIDE: Kai Leeflang and mother Kiyoko of Las Vegas, Nevada, walk toward the Student Living Center on the Eastman School of Music Campus in downtown Rochester.
YELLOWJACKETS ON BOARD: Rows of cars fill the parking lots on the River Campus as families and loved ones prepare to help incoming students move into the residence halls.
WELCOME WAGON: Despite the rainy conditions, current students and staff were poised and ready to help incoming students make the transition to their new home-away-from-home.
HELPING HANDS: Many Yellowjackets make light work of moving into the residence halls.
MELIORA MEET-AND-GREET: University President Sarah Mangelsdorf shakes hands with first-year student Atreyee Ghosh, from Alpharetta, Georgia, as her mother, Parna, looks on.
WHEN IT RAINS, MOM ADORES: Jennifer Daniels of Buffalo, New York, waits out a rain shower while her son, Joshua, gets settled into his new digs in the Susan B. Anthony Halls.
THE NEW CREW: Incoming international students queued up to receive their welcome bags in Wilson Commons.
AND RUSH RHEES MAKES THREE: Alin Sung and father Hsiu Sung take a selfie with Rush Rhees Library in the background to cap off their move-in day activities.
