University News
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
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 Universityās 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 ā29, a forensic science major from New Jersey, the moment felt surreal. āIām beyond excited,ā she said as she prepared to move into Westside Hall. āThe packing process was long, but hopefully unpacking wonāt be.ā
Her parents laughed and joked, āWe canāt wait to get rid of her!ā They were already planning to return in the fall for Family Day to check in and catch up on all she experienced.
Across campus, families gathered outside residence halls, pausing for hugs, photos, and goodbyes. Brenden Tresca ā29, a computer science major, had just gone inside Gerber Hall to finish unpacking while his parents and younger brother waited on the lawn.
āIāll miss him, because Iām going to lose my helper around the house,ā his mom admitted with a smile. āHeās an Eagle Scout and knows how to do things.
āI appreciate the move-in here,ā she continued. āItās been a long time since I moved into college, and we were not cared for in this way. Itās a wonderful welcome for the kids, and a great roster of events this week.ā
Trescaās father agreed. āHe actually does a lot at home,ā he said, while Brendenās younger brother added with a grin, āIām a little glad heās out of the house, but Iāll miss him, especially for sports.ā
The Tresca family, who live just half an hour away in Fairfield, said they felt confident in the Ā鶹AV community. āEmotionally, Iām losing my helper,ā his mom said, ābut I feel like weāre leaving him in capable hands.ā
By mid-morning, students streamed onto the Gerber-Bixler quad, where music played and Charlie the Ā鶹AV posed for photos. Adriana Malo-Idrobo '29, a forensic science major, was heading to lunch with her family after unloading boxes.
āIām kind of nervous, but also excited,ā she said. āIām looking forward to campus life this year, getting involved, meeting new friends, and diving into the academics. Everything, really.ā
Nearby, Sarah Colaneri ā29, an interior design major, held up the T-shirt each new student received at check-in. āWe just got here,ā she said, smiling. āIām glad to be out of the car after a 2.5-hour drive.ā Her parents described their feelings as āmixed emotions, but mostly excited.ā They admitted the reality of missing her might hit during the drive home.
At Westside Hall ā home to the largest group of new Ā鶹AVs, with 271 new students ā 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.
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 Ā鶹AV greeted students with high-fives and fist bumps, keeping everybodyās energy up. āItās a festive atmosphere,ā said Trescaās mother. āItās a 360 experience ā very immersive energy.ā
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 Ā鶹AVs turned their attention to Charge-In activities, from the official class photo to social events designed to bring everyone together.
āI want you to know the University of New Haven is here to support you,ā Ophelie Rowe-Allen said at a special family send-off event. āYou are now a Ā鶹AV!ā
With their first official milestone behind them, the Class of 2029 is ready to embark on a journey filled with discovery, connection, and Ā鶹AV pride.
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