- September 02, 2025
- By Maryland Today Staff
There were plenty of “Boots on the Ground” for move-in at the University of Maryland last week, but no need for fans in the hands, given the unseasonably refreshing 75-degree weather.
The of-the-moment TikTok challenge song blared from speakers outside Johnson-Whittle Hall as resident assistants performed the viral line dance (without the typical props of folding fans) and directed students and families with carts piled high to steer “to the right, to the right” as they entered the building.
“First impressions are everything,” said RA Devin Moore ’26, who sang along to the upbeat playlist on a megaphone. “As soon as you move in, you need to feel that sense of confidence and comfortability and belonging. It’s important to keep that positive energy.”
That excitement was palpable across UMD as more than 12,600 Terps moved into on-campus housing in time for the semester’s start on Tuesday, after Labor Day.
Freshmen were encouraged to emerge from their newly decorated rooms to meet and make friends at ice cream socials, game nights and crafting activities. Across campus, students splashed at the outdoor pool party, spiked volleyballs on La Plata Beach and scored swag at Free Fest on McKeldin Mall. Other favorites at the Stamp Student Union included movies at the Hoff, cosmic bowling at TerpZone, concert at Nyumburu, late-night karaoke and bingo.
Plus, thousands converged at SECU Stadium on Saturday for Maryland Football’s season opener against Florida Atlantic University, where quarterback Malik Washington and the Terps’ dominating defense led the way to a 39-7 win.
“We are thrilled to welcome our new and returning Terps to their home away from home in the residence halls,” said Dennis Passarella-George, director of resident life. “Move-in and Fall Welcome activities were bursting with activity, and we’re so excited to see all the great things our on-campus Terps are going to do this year as they engage, connect, learn, and thrive.”
See more scenes from move-in and Fall Welcome:
Testudo helps Caitlyn Ribas ’29 push a loaded yellow cart into Hagerstown Hall on Thursday. Her sister, Annie Ribas, and mom, Kristine Ribas, also carry in items for Caitlyn’s room. (Photo by John T. Consoli)
RAs Maeve Campbell ‘26 (left) and NaShaun Sheffield '26 bring the energy and dance moves as they welcome students moving into Johnson-Whittle Hall on Wednesday. (Photo by Dylan Singleton)
Kameron Vaughn ’26 hugs his mom, Kelly, after moving into his apartment in the Courtyards on Tuesday. (Photo by John T. Consoli)
The Mighty Sound of Maryland practices on Thursday, providing a lively soundtrack to all the activity on campus. (Photo by John T. Consoli)
Students in the Honors Global Challenges and Solutions Program compete on Thursday in its Amazing Race, which had them scrambling for clues to complete different “missions” at landmarks around downtown Washington, D.C. (Photo by Dylan Singleton)
Aastha Patel ‘29 (in water) and Risha Manthini ‘29 (black hat), part of College Park Scholars’ Science and Global Change program, thin out water lilies and lotuses and remove invasive weeds at Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens in Washington, D.C., during Scholars’ annual Service Day on Thursday. Students in all Scholars programs begin their college experience by participating in this day of community service across the region. (Photo by Dylan Singleton)
Lamont Clark ‘29, a member of Scholars’ Media, Self and Society program, sorts through donated soccer cleats while volunteering with Leveling the Playing Field in Silver Spring, Md., on Thursday. (Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle)
Syd Mitchell ‘26 hands out information about Studio A and complimentary sketch books at FreeFest on McKeldin Mall on Friday. The popular yearly resource fair lets students fill their pockets and tote bags with free, fun loot while learning about campus services and community partners ready to help them thrive at UMD. (Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle)
Marton Csikos ‘29 (left) and Eddie Cameron ‘29 play Jenga on McKeldin Mall during FreeFest. (Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle)
Cyan McDonald ‘26 performs with the Star Strutters at FreshCon in the Grand Ballroom at the Adele H. Stamp Student Union on Friday. More than 20 organizations welcomed new students at this event hosted by the Student Success Leadership Council. (Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle)
Sydney White ‘29 volunteers to participate in a challenge at “Welcome to the B1G Show” at SECU Stadium on Thursday. First-year students gathered to learn Maryland songs, cheers and traditions just in time for Saturday’s victorious football home opener against Florida Atlantic University. (Photo by Stephanie S. Cordle)
The Class of 2029 poses for the traditional photo at SECU Stadium at “Welcome to the B1G Show,” co-sponsored by Resident Life, Maryland Athletics and the Residence Hall Association. (Photo by Lancelot Lin)
Maryland Terrapins linebacker Daniel Wingate (1) scores a touchdown during the first half at SECU Stadium. The Terps' defense dominated in the 39-7 win over Florida Atlantic University. (Photo by Allison Mize/University of Maryland Athletics)