LEXINGTON, Kentucky (WKYT) – About 6,000 students are moving in to begin their wild studies at the University of Kentucky.
Hundreds of faculty members and student volunteers, including Residence Life Director Lisa Williams, welcomed the families with open arms today.
“Our demand for on-campus housing continues to grow, our returning students want to stay with us,” said Williams. “That’s a great problem to have, but 85% of our new students also want to live with us.”
When the new “Tri-It” dormitories were introduced in the UK last school year following an influx of new students, some two-bedroom suites housed three students instead of two, causing resentment among many parents and students.
Now, Williams says, more and more students are choosing Tri-It dorms.
“We have actually seen some of our freshmen choose the Tri-It offering because of its affordability,” she said.
The students who received the traditional private bedroom couldn’t be more excited to move into their suite.
“I am very grateful and happy that I have my own space, so to speak, and that my roommate and I each get our own rooms,” said freshman Ella Denton.
She says she hopes the Lewis Honors College Hall will provide her with the opportunity to surround herself with like-minded people.
“It was also a no-brainer for me that I would be living on campus my freshman year,” Denton said. “I feel like it immerses you in college life that much more.”
When students enter the university world, parents have to watch their children grow up.
For Julie Howard, it was the last day she dropped off her eldest daughter in the UK.
“As sad as it is to say goodbye to her once again, I’m really happy,” she said. “She’s had a great time here in the UK and this is her senior year so we’re excited about her opportunities.”
UK Housing informed us that there are still places available for students who have not yet decided on accommodation.
The move will last until Wednesday. Information on closed routes can be found on the UK website.
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