Students moving into Gladding Residence Center.

Aug. 17, 2021

Scenes from move-in

As the start of VCU's fall semester nears, nearly 5,800 new and returning students are unpacking their bags and containers and settling into their new homes on campus.

Moving into Gladding Residence Center. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
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By Joan Tupponce

Editor’s note 8/21: This story has been updated.

Nearly 5,800 new and returning students are moving into residence halls at Virginia Commonwealth University this month, and they are arriving in increased numbers as the second half of August begins. The familiar rite of passage along the streets facing campus has parents and students lugging in containers of all sizes and varieties filled with their creature comforts from home.

Students are bringing with them everything from clothing and laptops to pop-up desks and TVs. A new time-slot scheduling process is helping to keep things organized. Safety and well-being are always top of mind and this year that includes water stations to offset the August humidity and a bevy of welcoming hall directors and resident assistants.

While traditional might not be an accurate adjective to use for this year’s transition to living on campus, it’s one major step closer to routines of the past.

Monday, Aug. 16

Students moving into Gladding Residence Center.
Moving into Gladding Residence Center. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
Students moving into Gladding Residence Center.
Carrying boxes during a short break in the rain. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
Students moving into Gladding Residence Center.
Entering the lobby at Gladding Residence Center. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Wednesday, Aug. 18

Students, with help from family and friends, haul and wheel boxes and bins along the sidewalk in front of Brandt and Rhodes halls.
Students, with help from family and friends, haul and wheel boxes and bins along the sidewalk in front of Brandt and Rhodes halls. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
Trish Hukill of Northern Virginia with her stuffed bear, outside Rhodes Hall.
Trish Hukill of Northern Virginia with her stuffed bear, outside Rhodes Hall. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
Naomi Dawkins of Chesapeake, Virginia, takes a short break in front of Rhodes Hall.
Naomi Dawkins of Chesapeake, Virginia, takes a short break in front of Rhodes Hall. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
Elvira Walker (facing camera) gives a farewell embrace to her son, freshman Rahim Choudary, in front of Brandt and Rhodes halls.
Elvira Walker (facing camera) gives a farewell embrace to her son, freshman Rahim Choudary, in front of Brandt and Rhodes halls. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
Getting a little help from family in front of Brandt and Rhodes halls.
Getting a little help from family in front of Brandt and Rhodes halls. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)

Saturday, Aug. 21

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., visits with students moving into their residence halls.

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., with students Senaye Curry, Ebony Griffith and Lily Kirk. outside of Gladding Residence Center on Saturday.
Rao with students Senaye Curry, Ebony Griffith and Lily Kirk. outside of Gladding Residence Center on Saturday. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
Rao speaks with a group of engineering students in Gladding Residence Center.
Rao speaks with a group of engineering students in Gladding Residence Center. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
VCU administrators inside Gladding Residence Center
Inside Gladding Residence Center. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
From left to right: Emre Smith, Noah Muldoon and Athithya Muthukrishnan with Rao inside Brandt Hall.
From left to right: Emre Smith, Noah Muldoon and Athithya Muthukrishnan with Rao inside Brandt Hall. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
In Rhodes Hall. From Llft to right: James Willis, Adam Mattes, VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., Anthony Villanueva and Kieran Morley.
In Rhodes Hall. From Llft to right: James Willis, Adam Mattes, VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., Anthony Villanueva and Kieran Morley. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
VCU President Michael Rao speaks with VCU student Aiden Rafa who was getting help moving in from mother, Karen Rafa (back center).
Rao speaks with VCU student Aiden Rafa who was getting help moving in from mother, Karen Rafa (back center). (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
Rao meets a group of VCU students cleaning up Monroe Park.
Rao meets a group of VCU students cleaning up Monroe Park. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)
VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., speaks with student Anna Berberoglu who was in Monroe Park to recruit members for the crew team.
VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., speaks with student Anna Berberoglu who was in Monroe Park to recruit members for the crew team. (Kevin Morley, University Marketing)