You could feel the excitement across campus today as York College of Pennsylvania welcomed its newest Spartans during Move-In Day.
Nearly 1,700 students are living on campus this academic year. Thursday, accompanied by their families, 600 first-year students filled residence halls with everything from mini-fridges to personal touches, ready to launch the next step of their academic journey.
The incoming group highlights strong momentum for the institution: more than 900 new first-year students and over 150 transfer students are arriving this fall, extending the college's multi-year run of enrollment growth.
The new class also reflects a vibrant and diverse mix of backgrounds and geographic reaches. Thirty-three percent of students are arriving from outside Pennsylvania, and the cohort overall represents 28 states, with students traveling from as far away as Hawaii, California, Arizona, Florida, Maine, and Michigan. Additionally, 40 percent of the class are first-generation college students.
“Every year, Move-In Day brings an incredible burst of energy and optimism to our campus,” said Robbie Bacon, Vice President of Student Life and Success. “Welcoming this dynamic group of students is exciting! Our goal is to ensure every incoming student, whether they came from down the street or from hundreds of miles away, feels immediately supported and inspired to succeed at York College.”
The students certainly felt the excitement as they settled into their new dorms and shared what they were most looking forward to as they began their college journey. Addeson Dolbec ‘30, an incoming Criminology and Criminal Justice major from Goffstown, New Hampshire, said that she couldn’t wait to participate in her program and connect with the campus community through her classes and by trying out for the dance team.
“York College was probably one of the best schools out of all the ones that I picked,” Addeson said. “Not only for the CCJ program, but the community involvement that this school runs. Also, all the leadership opportunities that are given to us. It just drew me here instantly.”
Jennifer Dolbec, Addeson’s mother, echoed her sentiments. “Like she said, all the leadership opportunities, how important it is for them to find these upcoming adult careers. That was really big for us. Again, all the involvement, all the different community services, just everything. I felt like it was all encompassing, not just going into class and learning what you want, but becoming like that. Not adult, but that next step.”
Student leaders, orientation guides, and residence life staff were out in full force to greet arriving families, help unload vehicles, and navigate campus to ease the transition.
“I feel like everyone’s been really helpful,” said Macie Burge ‘30, an incoming Medical Imaging student from Carlisle, PA. She moved into the brand-new wing of the Northside Commons residence hall and shared her awe and anticipation at being one of the first students to take up residence in the new rooms.
“We love it here,” said Laura Burge, Macie’s mother. “Right from the start, [since] orientation and visiting the campus, everybody’s so friendly and very welcoming, and it’s been the same way today. So it’s been a great experience so far.”
Another incoming first-year, Terrell James ‘30, of Baltimore, expressed his excitement about being in the new wing and about studying as a Computer Engineering major. He even shared that part of his interest in the College stemmed from learning that an extended family member had worked on campus many years ago.
“It’s not too far from home,” Terrell said. “I learned a little bit about the computer engineering major here. It seems pretty good and up to speed for how I learn.”
“I’m excited [and] I’m a little nervous,” said Medina James, Terrell’s mother. “I’m hoping that he’ll be able to handle it all on his own.”
With move-in complete, students will spend the next few days participating in activities designed to help them build friendships, explore campus resources, and connect with faculty and staff before classes begin on Monday.
As suitcases are unpacked and dorm doors open, these new Spartans now look forward to years of growth, discovery, and lifelong connections at York College.
