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Photos by Dave Pavlina

For first-year students, few days are as exciting or memorable as Move-In Day. The day began with students and families unloading boxes and settling into their residence halls and ended with the Class of 2029 gathering for their first DU tradition, Convocation.

In between, students met their roommates, took campus tours, and attended a host of information sessions. At Convocation, Chancellor Jeremy Haefner offered a warm welcome, followed by Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Vice President Noura Ali Abid, who shared her best wishes. USG President Ethan Turner then dismissed the students for a final family sendoff—full of poms poms, cheers, and maybe a few tears.

The busy day wrapped up on Campus Green with the Crimson Cookout, where students and their families enjoyed pulled pork sandwiches, grilled corn, smoky baked beans, and all of the classic barbecue fixings. Below are some of the most memorable moments, from heartfelt goodbyes to the cheerful encouragement of our 4D peer mentors.

And so it begins! A father and daughter haul their first load in a crimson moving bin to Centennial Halls, while a nearby student remarks, "Everyone seems really genuine." A promising start to the day!

Chancellor Jeremy Haefner is all smiles and school spirit as he chats with two student volunteers, who are spending the day helping first-year students move into their new rooms. Later, he'll take the stage in Magness Arena to officially welcome the Class of 2029 at Convocation.

Let the Pinterest board come to life! Two families put together their daughters' room, starting with the most important part: decorations. Among the most popular additions were corkboards, strings of lights, and full-length mirrors.

The greatest move-in crew in town, DU Lacrosse players help freshman teammate Asher Pressnall settle into his room. "I'm excited to get to know the team better and make new friends," Pressnall says. Looks like he's already halfway there!

The Command strip marks the spot! Mom and daughter add a final touch—a corkboard that will soon be filled with first-year memories. For incoming students, setting up their space is one of their favorite parts of the day. As finance major Hudson Wilson (not pictured), puts it, "I've really enjoyed moving in because I've gotten to establish my own space and organize everything."

Oh, the places they'll go! A proud mother writes words of encouragement for her son on the wish wall, part of a welcome room inside Community Commons, where parents stopped by throughout the day.

2-4-6-8, who do we appreciate? Our 4D peer mentors—the MVPs of Move-In Day! Junior mentor Aven McCall (not pictured) says the energy is the most rewarding part: "I just love seeing the buzz on campus, seeing everyone get settled into their new home. All the new students look so excited."

The 4D peer mentors are back at it—lending a hand and welcoming every new student. Senior mentor Mary McGann (not pictured) says this is one of her favorite parts of the role: "It makes me really happy to see all the new students joining the community and starting to form bonds."

Here they come! Students stream out of the Ritchie Center after an uplifting Convocation, greeted by cheers from families and well-wishers. Excitement fills the air as the last of the Class of 2029 heads out and the day starts to wind down.

Dinner is served! On Campus Green, everyone is ready to dig into some delicious barbecue after a long day of moving in and getting to know new people and places.

Golden hour is upon us, matching the DU logo in a picture-perfect moment! A family gathers around, as Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Todd Rinehart captures a new memory.

Beside DU's iconic big red, a mother and son share a hug, closing out Move-In Day and marking the first of many milestones to come. Bittersweet farewells echo through the air, ending a day of new beginnings and moments students and their families will never forget.