Meredith College welcomed new students on its annual Move-In Day on Saturday, Aug. 16, and approximately 417 new students, including first-time freshmen and transfer students, were enrolled when the new academic year began on August 20.

From Orientation Crew members and Student Advisors to Residence Life staff and alumnae volunteers, the Meredith community is on hand every Move-In Day to help new students adjust to college life.

More than 40 alumnae signed up to help welcome the students and their families. These volunteers visited with new students to deliver treats from the Alumnae Association. Other tasks include staffing water stations, helping in the hospitality center, providing directions, and greeting new arrivals. Parents Council volunteers also joined in making sure the campus environment was welcoming.

After resident students completed moving into their new campus homes, Orientation began and continued through August 19. Student advisors support new students throughout Orientation and beyond.

“It is important to me that I can make the students in my group feel as welcome and comfortable as possible. If I can make them laugh and feel at ease, I really feel like I’ve done my job,” said Student Advisor Grace Harrington, ’26. “My biggest hope was that when students finish Orientation, regardless of the emotions they may be feeling, they understand that they are strong enough to tackle their college experience and that they have a whole host of people who care for and support them.”

A positive experience during her own Orientation as a first-year student made Harrington want to serve as a student advisor.

 “I felt that the whole orientation program was such an asset to me because it both gave me the information I needed and allowed me to start college off with a few new friends. Now, I hope I can be that friend to a new generation of Meredith students,” Harrington said.

Orientation provides students with an opportunity to start their Meredith College experience well.

“Orientation helps students prepare for the year ahead by giving them the tools needed to succeed in the classroom, get involved in the Meredith community, and excel as an individual,” said Student Advisor Mia Satterwhite, ’28. “Orientation gives students an inside look into what is expected of them as students, provides them with detailed knowledge about the traditions special to Meredith, and so much more.”

Satterwhite calls Move-In Day and Orientation “an incredible time filled with fun, laughter, and a great community.”

“The joy that the O-Crew, Student Advisors, and staff at Meredith have is unmatched,” Satterwhite said. “As soon as you pull on campus and see the huge balloon arch, you know you are at home.”