Welcomed by faculty, staff, and upperclass students, Arcadia University’s newest Knights began their college journey on Friday, Aug. 25.

More than 500 new students were greeted by Move-In Day volunteers as they unloaded cars and filled campus with activity. With students arriving from 23 states and 10 different countries, many were thrilled to finally be on campus.

“I found Arcadia on an online college fair and after investigating on my own, it clicked,” said Biology major Paola Vazquez ’21, who hails from Los Angeles. “There’s great class sizes, and I love small non-urban schools with green spaces. I’m from a big city where there’s not a lot of nature.”

Others noted that the ‘click’ with Arcadia came from its diverse and accepting community.

“I liked the campus and how inclusive the community is,” said PreK to fourth grade Education major Baila Gavin ’21, who is from Philadelphia. “I can’t wait to meet people and make friends.”

While traditional move-in day items such as mattress pads and refrigerators lined the hallways, some unique items stood out that showcased the “quirkiness” of the class, as said by Lawrence, N.J. student Zach Dutko ’21.

“I like dressing up a lot and wearing accessories,” said Dutko, who brought a steampunk top hat and a ukulele. “I enjoy music, so I’ve always got something musical on me. I also like to say I invented ‘Halloweek’– the week of Halloween during which I wear a costume each day.”

Whether it was a steampunk top hat or a Keurig machine, students were excited about starting their new life on campus. Accounting major Victoria Arabio ’21 said it’s her first experience being on her own, and not as part of a triplet. With two sisters, Arabio said she’s known as the “princess,” but now she has a chance to build her own identity.

“It’ll be nice to be me instead of part of the triplets,” Arabio said, who is from Egg Harbor Township, N.J. “Arcadia was my first choice, and I felt like I fit in here. I can’t wait to meet new people.”

At the Welcome Arcadia celebration, students and families cheered as administrators and faculty addressed the crowd. Interim President Hank Brown encouraged students to get involved and be part of the community.

“In some ways, this will be your home for the rest of your days,” said Brown. “We hope you always feel welcomed here, and we hope you continue to have a lifelong curiosity for learning.”