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Grace Fiorino '23, one of the University of New Haven's newest students, says she is excited for the opportunities that await her as a Charger. A national security major and a member of one of the University's Living Learning Communities, she settled into her residence hall last week in advance of the start of her first semester.

"This is my first time away from home, my first time on my own," said Fiorino, of Wethersfield, Connecticut. "I am thrilled to be a part of the University community."

Added her mother, Kim, who helped her move in, "Everything has gone very smoothly as we've moved her in. She's our oldest, and this is our first college experience."

Fiorino was one of more than 450 first-year students who moved in to the residence halls with their LLCs on Wednesday. The remaining members of the Class of 2023 moved in on Thursday.

Throughout the rest of the week and the weekend, the newest students participated in Charge In to help acclimate them to campus life, leading up to their first day of classes on Monday. The arrival of the Class of 2023 coincides with the University's Centennial in 2020, and its members will take part in the University's 100th Commencement exercises in four years.

"Be an engaged and involved student, and you'll be incredibly successful both here and as you move forward in life."President Steven Kaplan

"As members of the Class of 2023, you hold a very special place in the University's history," said President Steven Kaplan. "You have already proven to be intelligent and hardworking students. Be an engaged and involved student, and you'll be incredibly successful both here and as you move forward in life."

Nearly 90 percent of first-year students are living on campus this semester, and students, faculty, and staff members ensured that they had a warm welcome.

One of the students wearing red "Welcome Wagon" t-shirts, Emily Mayor '22, greeted new students and their families, as she reflected on when she first arrived as a new student last year.

"Everyone is kind and friendly, and the move-in process was smooth."Matthew Rice '23

"They're just beginning their time at the University, and we were all in that position," said Mayor, a forensic science major. "It's hard to say goodbye to family, and I'm glad I can help them and be a friendly face."

Members of the "Welcome Wagon" helped students load their belongings into large orange bins and push them to their rooms. They were there to answer questions and to help ease the transition.

"Moving in can be overwhelming, and it's important to have someone familiar with the campus to help," said Rivka Weinman '21, a criminal justice major, who was part of the Welcome Wagon.

Students unpacked and set up their rooms before beginning a series of activities that would enable them to get to know each other and more about university life.

"I'm excited to be here," said Matthew Rice '23, a fire science major. "Everyone is kind and friendly, and the move-in process was smooth."