What was a quiet summer campus transformed into a hub of energy and emotion during Move-In Week, as first-year and returning students settled into their residence halls ahead of the start of fall classes Aug. 18.

As college students nationwide return to campus, Howard University began welcoming thousands of new Bison and their families. More than 6,000 students are moving into residence halls, with cars lining campus streets near iconic dorms like Drew Hall, College Hall North and South, and the Harriet Tubman Quadrangle. 

“For some students, this is their very first time away from home, and we take that responsibility seriously,” said Cynthia Evers, senior vice president for student affairs. “It’s a tremendous honor to welcome our newest Bison and their families to Howard University. There’s no greater privilege than witnessing the excitement of Move-In and helping students make the successful transition to Howard’s campus.”

Move-In is one of the most memorable and hectic moments in the college experience. To ease the transition, each year Howard’s Office of Residence Life & University Housing staggers student arrivals across several days, creating a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

From cheerleaders and dance squads to DJs, athletes, and student ambassadors, the Howard community showed up in full force to greet students. Public safety officers, resident assistants, and student volunteers kept traffic moving and helped families unload, making the experience both efficient and welcoming.

For many families, Move-In Day at Howard University has been a full-circle moment.

“This is legacy,” said Kanika Burrell, Howard alumna (‘02) and mother of incoming computer science major Kaylin Burrell. Her sister graduated from Howard and her niece and nephew are seniors here now.

“For us, this is a family tradition. I was excited when I moved in years ago, and I’m even more excited now. This is his journey now.”

The family was moving Kaylin into Drew Hall, the historic freshman residence for men that holds deep cultural and symbolic value at Howard. Inside Drew, Kaylin set up his room with essentials and personal touches. He is rooming with a longtime friend who’s he’s played sports with since middle school.

“Both our moms went to Howard,” he said. “It just made sense.”

According to Glen Vinson Jr., associate vice president for student affairs, nearly 500 first-year men moved into the dorm over the past week.

“Drew has character, and you feel it the moment you walk in,” Vinson said. “It’s not just about moving boxes. It’s about anchoring students in a tradition of excellence and community.

The move-in schedule began Aug. 5 with Drew Hall and Tubman Quad’s Baldwin Hall, followed by Wheatley, Frazier, Truth, Crandall, Cook Hall, and continues with College Hall North and South over the next several days. Upperclassmen and transfer students began returning to campus Aug. 12, with move-ins continuing through August 16 at Howard Plaza Towers, Bethune Annex, The Axis, and partner housing locations like Mazza GrandMarc.

Howard’s culture of tradition and connection continues beyond move-in. On Sunday, Aug. 10, first-year students will participate in the annual Pinning Ceremony, a symbolic event that marks their official induction into the Howard community. During the ceremony, new students receive HU pins from alumni, faculty, and current students. On Aug. 15, incoming students will take part in the annual Howard University Day of Service. The service day connects students with local communities through service projects focused on issues like educational disparities, food insecurity, environmental justice, and voter suppression.

Saying Goodbye, Moving Forward

At the Quad, a set of residence halls for undergraduate women named after historic Black female leaders, resident assistants and student ambassadors welcomed families with clipboards, keys, and encouraging smiles. For Stafford, Virginia native Amya Fuller and her family, the move was emotional.

Amya, who will study interior design, said her grandparents encouraged her to attend an HBCU.

“They wanted me to be around people who looked like me,” she said. “I’m nervous, but I’m ready.”

For her mother, Shanquila Fuller, watching Amya start college at Howard University made her emotional. Few milestones are as bittersweet.

“I’m very excited and blessed that my daughter is coming to Howard University,” said Shanquila, who met her husband at HBCU Virginia State University. During move-in, she encouraged Amya to give herself time to connect with others.

“Her father’s been telling her to keep her eyes open and be aware,” she said. “But I think living away from your parents gives you a chance to get to know yourself. It really opens you up to the real world.”

Photos: Simone Boyd, Howard University.

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