UWF Argo Arrival welcomed new and returning students back to campus

On-campus residence halls were filled to 100% capacity as approximately 1,500 students moved in Aug. 18-21. UWF athletes and student organizations were on-hand to welcome the students and provide some much-needed muscle during the move-in days.

First time in college student Photini Thorp and her mom Julie arrived at Martin Hall on Aug. 19 to move in. Thorp said UWF’s cybersecurity program brought her to Northwest Florida from her home in Orlando.

“I’m looking forward to the new level of independence that being a freshman at UWF brings,” Thorp said. “It makes everything more interesting and exciting.”

A smooth transition to UWF for students is something really important to returning sophomore and first-time resident assistant April Hunt.

“I want to make those connections with new students early on so they are comfortable coming to me with big and small questions,” said Hunt. “Students seek out help from RAs for everything from lock-outs and maintenance questions, to roommate issues and occasionally some drama.”

In addition to moving into residence halls, new students were busy with a variety of other Argo Arrival activities. UWF’s New Student Convocation took place in the Field House on Aug. 19. Students were welcomed by University leaders and celebrated the start of their academic journeys by receiving their UWF medallions. Current students were on hand to offer helpful tips on how to thrive at UWF.

Other Argo Arrival activities included live music, a DJ room, video games and indoor skating at Club U-Dub in University Commons on Aug. 19; a doughnut-delivering golf cart with Doughnuts with the Dean on Aug. 22; the chance to get to know campus law enforcement officers at Coffee with a Cop on Aug. 24; a first-look at the reigning 2021 Gulf State Conference Football Champions during the annual UWF scrimmage at Pen Air Field on Aug. 25; a Study Abroad Open House at the Department of International Affairs on Aug. 26; and games and information about the wide variety of UWF student involvement opportunities at Argopalooza on Aug. 26.

“It is exciting to see all of the liveliness and excitement on campus this year,” said Mikia Carter, UWF associate director of retention initiatives. “We saw a record-breaking 1,200 attendees at Club U-Dub and stellar attendance at our other events. As we welcome students back, we want to ensure that they have as many opportunities as possible to get connected and find their place at UWF.”

For more information about UWF campus life, visit uwf.edu/campuslife.