UMD welcomes the newest Bulldogs to campus

The interactions, emotions, and traffic of college move-in day were felt throughout the campus of the University of Minnesota Duluth and the city on Wednesday.

“I’m very excited but very nervous overall. I’m worried I brought too much for sure, but overall very excited,” said freshman Alexis Fowler.

So many new faces arrived in the Northland to begin their college journey as a part of the Class of 2027 as young UMD Bulldogs.

“I would have to say that this is a welcoming environment. I really just loved all of like, the people and how welcoming they are. I just feel like this school can really give me a good opportunity to have a good education,” Freshman Grace Smith shared with WDIO.

Current students and staff members were on hand to make the process smooth. These moments of transition can be a little rough for students. So, the new Interim President for the University of Minnesota System, Jeff Ettinger, mentions how the system tries to offer students advice and resources to feel right at home.

“I think it’s great that nowadays we have these kind of orientation weeks and these chances for students to not just show up and boom, they’re supposed to be in class; they have a chance to meet each other. They have a chance to get to know the campus. So that’s something that we try to do throughout the system.”

Along with move-in day, it was also the first time that the interim president visited the UMD campus. As students unpacked and adjusted to their new digs, some parents felt that young bird away from the nest kind of feeling.

“I can’t really talk about feelings right now because I’m leaving that little piece of my heart behind today. We’re super excited for her and can’t wait for all the excitement that Duluth will bring to her life. So super excited for her, but we’re going to miss her,” Jenae Kalaus expressed.

Smith, Fowler, and Korra Kalaus, are excited and looking forward to creating so many good memories in their first year.

“I’m really excited to see the shore like, just like be in Duluth because we never come up through the area that much; and if we do, we see the lighthouse and the shore, and then we’re like, okay, let’s go home. So, I’m excited to be here and see the hiking trails and see how it looks in the fall because I hear it’s super pretty,” said freshman Korra Kalaus.

“I’m looking forward to seeing all of the activities that are actually on campus and trying new things overall.”

“I’m excited to meet new people and excited to figure out what I want to do with my life since I’m undecided with my major.”

Freshman move-in day continues through Thursday; then upperclassman’s will join them on campus over the weekend.