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Hustle and bustle, tears and hugs, as students move in

By Robert Sanders

Beginning this Friday (Aug. 17), thousands of students will move into the campus’s residence halls, apartments and co-ops, accompanied by many tearful goodbyes between freshmen and their families.

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Before classes begin on Thursday, Aug. 23, an estimated 6,400 undergraduates, including 676 international and 694 out-of-state students, will move into campus residence halls. Another 1,800 undergraduates and graduates will be living in UC Berkeley-run apartments and family housing. This is out of a total student population of 25,700 undergraduates and 10,250 graduate students that the campus expects to enroll for the 2012-13 school year.

On Saturday, the last day of Move-in Days, students also will take up residence at Martinez Commons, a brand new housing facility for sophomores and upper division students. Named in honor of a former student services staff member, Max Martinez, the Commons will be home to 416 students.

Move-in Days kick off Welcome Week, Aug. 20-24, when new students take campus tours and attend orientation workshops, lectures and receptions. Highlights will include:

  • New Student Convocation, Monday, Aug. 20, 3:45-6:30 p.m. All new undergraduates are invited to hear from Chancellor Robert Birgeneau, ASUC President Connor Landgraf, Assistant Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Jonathan Poullard, and featured speaker Professor Robert Reich at a picnic dinner at the Greek Theatre.
  • Caltopia, Monday, Aug. 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Touted as “the largest experiential college lifestyle festival in the nation,” the event is hosted by Cal Recreational Sports at 2301 Bancroft Way.
  • Chancellor’s Reception for New Undergraduates, Tuesday, Aug. 21, and Wednesday, Aug. 22, 4-5:30 p.m. New undergraduates can meet the chancellor at invitation-only gatherings in the Chancellor’s Garden, University House.
  • Sunset at the Campanile, Tuesday, Aug. 21, and Thursday, Aug. 23, 7 p.m. Students can enjoy a breathtaking view from the Campanile, Sather Tower.
  • Calapalooza, Thursday, Aug. 23, 3:30-7 p.m. New students will be introduced to more than 300 student groups, campus services and performers at this annual resource fair on Upper and Lower Sproul Plaza.
  • New Student Services Smooth Transitions Tent, weekdays, Aug. 20-31, 10 a.m-2 p.m. Students are invited to stop by the blue and gold tent on Upper Sproul Plaza to grab a copy of the Welcome Calendar, ask questions or pick up a welcome button.

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