move-in

The 1,780 members of Washington University in St. Louis’ Class of 2021 came together for the first time at the end of Move-In Day, Aug. 24, for an evening of house cheers and family hugs. The annual Convocation also provided an opportunity to reflect on the events of Charlottesville and to commit to a Washington University that is diverse and tolerant.

Washington University in St. Louis welcomed the 1,780 members of the Class of 2021 on Thursday, Aug. 24. This year’s class includes six members of the first cohort of the College Prep Program, which prepares talented, first-generation students for life on a college campus.

Some 1,780 first-year students, the largest first-year class in Washington University’s history, will be arriving for the 2017-18 academic year that begins Monday, Aug. 28. The students hail from 49 states and 22 countries. A team of 300 students, faculty and staff volunteers will help haul everything from refrigerators and microwaves to laptops and bicycles. Trucks, vans, minivans and U-Hauls will line the South 40 driveways.

The class of 2020 was chosen among a field of 29,200 applicants and represents the largest class in Washington University’s 163-year history. It also is the most diverse. Some 231 students — 13 percent — are Pell grant-eligible, and 123 are the first in their families to attend college.

​Was​hington University welcomes the Class of 2019 on Thursday, Aug. 20. Students move into the South 40, meet their residential advisors and fellow dorm residents, and later in the day celebrate Convocation, one of the university’s most colorful traditions. ​

About 1,600 freshmen moved onto the WUSTL campus last week to begin their college careers. Upperclass student volunteers (seen here, at a pep rally) help newcomers get settled and adjust to their first year of college life. Classes begin Tuesday, Aug. 27. Check out more photos, videos and other moments from the first day’s events.