Whether you’re new to URI or returning home, a warm Rhody welcome awaits you this September. From the nuts and bolts of move-in weekend to the big picture stuff, we’ve got you covered. You can relax and focus on the important things: community, classes, and scoping out campus hangouts with your friends. And with help from resident advisors, volunteer moving crews, and events like First Night and Welcome Week, you’ll feel right at home in no time.

More students than ever before—nearly 6,000 this year—are opting to live in our 24 on-campus residence halls, suites and apartments, and more than 600 students will reside in 17 sorority and fraternity houses. This community of more than 13,000 full-time undergraduates and about 3,000 graduate students includes approximately 3,600 new freshman and transfer students.

And while you’re getting comfortable, consider exploring the many ways to get involved in campus life, be it community service, internship, and research opportunities or one of our 140+ student clubs and organizations. This is your time to be true to yourself and also to branch out, try new things, and meet new people.

Using #URIMoveIn, post pics and videos of your dorm room decor, your overpacked car, your parents’ reactions, or even take a selfie with your awesome new roommate.

Our URI Event Calendar has the scoop on campus happenings (where you can bond with new friends over free food),  show your Go Rhody! spirit by attending a game, or check out activities at the Memorial Union. In between you can relax on the Quad, or work out at the Fascitelli Fitness and Wellness Center. Plan on laughing and learning this fall as well, with the annual Honors Colloquium, a lecture series that brings academics, writers, scientists and artists to campus to talk about topics of interest to the University—and the community. This year’s subject: humor. “The Power of Humor’’ will run weekly through early December.

While it’s common to experience a bit of stress while you’re settling in, don’t sweat it. We’ve got that covered, too. Freshmen can benefit from the guidance of their URI 101 mentors, resident advisors ready and eager to help, and our University College for Academic Success, which offers a full range of services including tutoring, advising, peer mentoring, and the Center for Career and Experiential Education. And definitely don’t underestimate the power of getting to know your professors. They’re also here to help. Commit to going to class and stop by during office hours and introduce yourself to your professors. You’ll want to take full advantage of studying with some of the biggest thinkers in the world.

And before you know it, when you’re fully settled in as a member of the URI family, it’ll be time to reunite with your own family—invite them to your home away from home for Family Weekend, November 6–8.