By Jillian Baker

KU welcomed incoming freshmen and transfer students on August 27.

Residence halls officially opened to freshmen at 8 a.m. on Aug. 27. Returning students living on-campus were able to move in beginning on Monday, Aug. 22.

Student volunteers involved in campus organizations and sports teams helped students and families unpack cars, bring boxes into bedrooms and assist in any way to make the process as easy as possible.

The large white tent on the DMZ had numerous dorm items, including small plants, mattress pads and posters. Dozens of tables were set up to advertise for student organizations. Organizations such as ASPCUF had tents handing out water bottles to those volunteering. Food truck vendors sold soft pretzels, lemonade and other snacks to movers.

Ashley Gatto, an incoming freshman from Dingmans Ferry, Pa., moved into Beck Hall. Gatto decided to attend KU because of the academic opportunity. Ashley is currently undeclared and is taking a leave of absence next semester to complete boot camp for the

Air Force Guard.

Ben Kelly, a business management major and freshman from Northeast Ohio, said he is most excited for playing tennis and continuing his athletic career at KU as a freshmen recruit.

According to Wolfy Joseph, connections secretary, there were 2,255 incoming freshmen and transfer students that completed KU’s Connections program throughout June and August.

“KU has a better art program and [because of] my friends,” said Kelsey Lyzell, a transfer student from East Stroudsburg University, on making the move to KU. Lyzell is a junior studio art major from Milford, Pa.