Early Thursday morning, the class of 2023 took over The Bluff. They packed the parking lot, unloaded their cars — filled to the brim with clothes, suitcases and pillows — and snaked through the crowds of parents and other students to get to their dorms. They anxiously and excitedly looked to their resident assistants for help with moving in as they officially joined the UP community.
Orientation leaders, hall staff and even a llama greeted the new students. Villa Maria Hall hosted an obstacle course and colorful signs lined the grass and sidewalks, welcoming families to campus. Students climbed a rock wall in the middle of the academic quad and played corn hole near Lund Family Hall. The university’s newest building, Dundon-Berchtold Hall, was also open for the community to tour.
According to UP Admissions, the class of 2023 has approximately 1,000 students and is 62% female and 38% male. Seventy-eight percent of the class is from out of state with 47% identifying as minority students.
Orientation will last till Sunday with events for both students and parents and classes will begin on Monday. Friday night starts with the 11th annual Bite on the Bluff at 5:30 p.m. in the parking lot in front of the Merlo Field box office. The event will feature popular food trucks like KOI Fusion, Ruby Jewel, Voodoo Doughnut, Carioca Bowls and Cha Cha Cha.
Following Bite on The Bluff, freshman will get their first taste of UP athletics with the men’s soccer game against Utah Valley at 7 p.m. Entry into the game is free for students, but tickets are available online for others who want to attend.
Even in the midst of all the orientation chaos, The Beacon talked with new freshmen, hall staff and other students about their experiences so far and what they are looking forward to this year.
Maddie Pfeifer is the news and managing editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at pfeifer21@up.edu.
