University News

Class of 2029 Charges Into New Beginnings

With move-in day complete, more than 1,300 first-year students and a record 250 transfer students are ready to call the University of New Haven home.

August 21, 2025

By Caitlin Truesdale, Office of Marketing and Communications

President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., chats with a new 窪蹋厙勛圖 during move-in day
President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., chats with a new 窪蹋厙勛圖 during move-in day

The Class of 2029 arrived on campus with packed cars, helping hands, and plenty of excitement, as families and friends joined them for the start of Charge In, the Universitys official welcome to a new academic year. From Bergami Hall and Bethel to Bixler, Gerber and Westside, students unpacked mini-fridges, bedding, and boxes while volunteers, student-athletes, and Resident Assistants kept the day running smoothly.

For Angeline Carty 29, a forensic science major from New Jersey, the moment felt surreal. Im beyond excited, she said as she prepared to move into Westside Hall. The packing process was long, but hopefully unpacking wont be.

Her parents laughed and joked, We cant wait to get rid of her! They were already planning to return in the fall for Family Day to check in and catch up on all she experienced.

Its a wonderful welcome

Across campus, families gathered outside residence halls, pausing for hugs, photos, and goodbyes. Brenden Tresca 29, a computer science major, had just gone inside Gerber Hall to finish unpacking while his parents and younger brother waited on the lawn.

New 窪蹋厙勛圖s and their families made their way across campus as move-in got underway
New 窪蹋厙勛圖s and their families made their way across campus as move-in got underway.

Ill miss him, because Im going to lose my helper around the house, his mom admitted with a smile. Hes an Eagle Scout and knows how to do things.

I appreciate the move-in here, she continued. Its been a long time since I moved into college, and we were not cared for in this way. Its a wonderful welcome for the kids, and a great roster of events this week.

Trescas father agreed. He actually does a lot at home, he said, while Brendens younger brother added with a grin, Im a little glad hes out of the house, but Ill miss him, especially for sports.

The Tresca family, who live just half an hour away in Fairfield, said they felt confident in the 窪蹋厙勛圖 community. Emotionally, Im losing my helper, his mom said, but I feel like were leaving him in capable hands.

'Im kind of nervous, but also excited

By mid-morning, students streamed onto the Gerber-Bixler quad, where music played and Charlie the 窪蹋厙勛圖 posed for photos. Adriana Malo-Idrobo '29, a forensic science major, was heading to lunch with her family after unloading boxes.

Each new Class of 2029 student received a University T-shirt
Each new Class of 2029 student received a University T-shirt.

Im kind of nervous, but also excited, she said. Im looking forward to campus life this year, getting involved, meeting new friends, and diving into the academics. Everything, really.

Nearby, Sarah Colaneri 29, an interior design major, held up the T-shirt each new student received at check-in. We just got here, she said, smiling. Im glad to be out of the car after a 2.5-hour drive. Her parents described their feelings as mixed emotions, but mostly excited. They admitted the reality of missing her might hit during the drive home.

Its a festive atmosphere

At Westside Hall home to the largest group of new 窪蹋厙勛圖s, with 271 new students resident assistants answered questions and provided an overview of the space. Student-athletes pitched in carrying items, while the Residence Hall Association handed out ice pops to keep spirits cool.

Student-athletes pitched in to help families carry items into the residence halls
Student-athletes pitched in to help families carry items into the residence halls.

President Jens Frederiksen, Ph.D., was on hand, helping families carry items and chatting with students about their new beginnings. At each residence hall, Charlie the 窪蹋厙勛圖 greeted students with high-fives and fist bumps, keeping everybodys energy up. Its a festive atmosphere, said Trescas mother. Its a 360 experience very immersive energy.

By early afternoon, most cars had been unloaded, and students were beginning to make their rooms feel like home. Families took a final stroll around campus before heading out, while new 窪蹋厙勛圖s turned their attention to Charge-In activities, from the official class photo to social events designed to bring everyone together.

I want you to know the University of New Haven is here to support you, Ophelie Rowe-Allen said at a special family send-off event. You are now a 窪蹋厙勛圖!

With their first official milestone behind them, the Class of 2029 is ready to embark on a journey filled with discovery, connection, and 窪蹋厙勛圖 pride.