Move-in Days at UTSA kicks off the college experience for many students

Students who live on campus their first year typically perform better academically and feel a greater sense of belonging earlier on in their college journey, says Wyatt.

In addition, living on campus makes it easier to make friends, get involved in student organizations, attend events and take advantage of the many academic support services like tutoring, academic coaching and study sessions.

Among the 4,600 students making their move to on-campus housing are 350 Honors College students who will be moving into Guadalupe Hall today and beginning their Honors Residential College (HRC) experience. The Honors College is the only college at UTSA that requires its first-year students to live on campus together and offers a housing scholarship of up to $1,500 to each student.

"The Honors Residential College has become a pivotal part of the honors experience at UTSA," said Sean Kelly, dean of the UTSA Honors College. "The events and activities we host in and around the residence hall bring our students together to have fun, learn, grow, connect with our faculty and staff, and help them feel like they are truly part of a community of scholars."

HRC events include professional development workshops, guest lectures, and social events such as free snow cones, movie nights on the lawn, and other activities that promote community.

Global affairs major Karla Galvan lived in the HRC last year as a freshman.

"I loved the unique experience of living with other honors students," she said. "I really felt like I was part of a supportive community and immediately felt like I belonged, which helped a lot with the transition to college and adjusting to a new lifestyle," she said.

The university's Engineering Focused Interest Group (FIG) is also located in the Honors Residential College at Guadalupe Hall. This year, the FIG includes 27 first-year engineering honors students who are enrolled in classes together, have a dedicated peer mentor and faculty mentor, and enjoy the benefits of being members of the Honors College.

About half of these students moved to campus four weeks early as part of a new Engineering Summer Bridge Program piloted by the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design. Overseen by the college's Student Success Center, the program's goal is to give students from underrepresented backgrounds a solid start at UTSA by offering math preparation sessions and an introduction to campus resources before the semester begins to aid their transition to college and set them up for success in their engineering coursework.

The HRC and Engineering FIG are just two of 10 Special Interest Housing groups at UTSA, which are topic or discipline-focused living-learning communities designed to promote students' academic success and personal development. Students participating in any of the other Special Interest Housing groups will live in Alvarez Hall.

Move-In Days is the lead-in event to Roadrunner Days, an annual, 16-day series of fun and informative events designed to welcome both new and returning students to UTSA. Dozens of engaging and informative activities provide students multiple opportunities to make connections with other students, faculty and staff.

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