Incoming Students Charge into University of New Haven Community

Luis Calderon II ’27 is charging into life as a college student, and he can’t wait to see what his first semester will bring.

In addition to being a member of the track team, Calderon is excited to experience living on campus. A sport management major, he recently moved into Bethel Hall, and he’s excited for his first semester as a student at the University of New Haven.

“The atmosphere at the University is very welcoming,” said Calderon, of Hamden, Conn. “The move-in process was very easy. Now I’ll focus on learning where everything is and start to explore some new things.”

‘A lot of excitement’

Calderon is among the more than 1,300 first-year students who, along with more than 200 transfer students make up the University’s incoming class. With the help of their families, they moved into the residence halls first, followed by returning resident students later in the week. New students settled into several of the University’s residence halls, including Westside and Bixler Halls.

Ashley Anderson ’27 was moving into Bethel Hall with the help of her mom, Joette Anderson. They’d traveled to the University from central Massachusetts.

“There are mixed emotions, but a lot of excitement,” said Ashley, a dental hygiene major. “I’m excited to get started with my major and to meet new people.”

Added Joette, “I’m excited for her. I hope she makes lots of friends. Moving her in has gone well, and the process has been very smooth.”

‘Bethel is where you meet lifelong friends’

The incoming Chargers are a diverse group who come to the University from around the globe. Students hail from 35 states and two dozen countries.

Before beginning their classes, the University’s newest Chargers learned about everything the University has to offer. Resident students were joined by new commuter students, and together they took part in the University’s Charge In program. Students met with faculty, staff, and other new students from their academic colleges and schools, and they met with members of the University’s Police Department, learning about the University’s public safety features.

Charge In offered a variety of engaging and fun activities for students to help them get to know each other before beginning classes. Students made crafts together, enjoyed a barbecue, and played games. They also learned ways to get involved in the University community and to make the most of their Charger experience. Throughout the first week of classes and through the Labor Day long weekend, the newest Chargers are invited to take part in a variety of Welcome Week activities on and off campus.

The University’s Orientation & Transition Leaders and Orientation Coordinators were there to guide new Chargers through every step of the process. They helped them move into the residence halls, answered questions, and led sessions during Charge In.

Brisa Velazquez Perez ’25, an international business management major, was helping many of her newest classmates as they moved into Bethel Hall. She says welcoming them to the residence hall felt like she was coming full circle.

“I was a resident in Bethel Hall during my first year,” she explains. “Students are curious about what Bethel Hall offers. I tell them Bethel is where you meet lifelong friends. I met my current roommate and close friend while living there.”

‘I can’t wait to see what the year brings’

That’s what many parents were hoping for as they moved their students in. Kelly Imschweiler was helping her son William Imschweiler ’27 move in. She was excited for him to begin his criminal justice courses and to take advantage of everything the University has to offer.

“Moving him in was a great experience, and I’m looking forward to a great year,” she said. “It’s emotional to move him in, but I’m excited for him. I can’t wait to see what the year brings.”