UC Riverside kicked off its fall quarter by welcoming its largest group of student residents during move-in weekend from Sept. 18 to Sept. 21.

Over 15,000 students and family members assisting them moved in to one of the six campus residence halls over the four-day period. Students were assigned check-in days and times so their arrivals were staggered at different intervals and locations.

“It’s been very smooth,” said Bob Brumbaugh, senior housing director.

Students were directed to check-in at Parking Lot 30 to collect their keys before being sent to their respective housing complexes. The check-in area included refreshments, swag, and photo opportunities in front of a large inflatable Norm T. Navel, the orange-shaped mascot.

On Saturday, Sept. 20, and Sunday, Sept. 21, Chancellor S. Jack Hu and Brian Haynes, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, surprised students and their families, stopping to chat and take photos with them at Parking Lot 30 and various residence halls.

“Welcome to UCR,” Hu said, introducing himself to a student.

“We’re so excited you’re here,” Haynes added.

Jasleen Singh, a first-year student from San Diego moving into Dundee, wasn’t expecting to meet the chancellor on her first day, she said.

“It was a pleasant surprise,” said Mona Singh, her mother.

Hu and other campus leaders hosted a refreshment corner at Dundee on Saturday and Lothian on Sunday where they met with students and their families.

Several student athletes were also on hand to assist new students as they entered the residence halls. 

UCR admitted a record number of first year and transfer students this fall, as it continues to increase housing to meet demand. North District 2, the newest complex, opened in August, welcoming almost 250 Riverside Community College District students as part of a unique partnership with the district. Over the weekend, more than 1,100 UCR students joined them in the new complex.

Faylinn Chapman, a first-year student, began decorating her apartment, putting up Halloween decorations and an embroidery with hers and her roommate’s names on their door.

“All my friends are very jealous,” she said. “It’s very nice.”