More Than 3,000 First-Year and Transfer Students Move-In at WCU on August 20 & August 21!
Post Move-In, Multiple "Weeks of Welcome" Events Programmed to Help Students Acclimate
West Chester University (WCU) will welcome its newest Golden Rams—the members of the Class of 2030—as more than 3,000 first-year and transfer students move into campus residence halls on Thursday, August 20, and Friday, August 21.
Throughout the two-day move-in, students and their families will arrive on North Campus in vehicles packed with everything needed for college life. Students will check in at their assigned residence halls, receive their Ram Card student IDs, and move into their new homes during pre-selected arrival times. Hundreds of resident assistants, alumni, faculty, and staff volunteers will be on hand to greet families, answer questions, and help unload and transport carts filled with suitcases, bedding, computers, books, and other college essentials.
Returning sophomores, juniors, and seniors will move into campus housing on Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23. The fall semester begins with the first day of classes on Monday, August 24.
To help students transition to campus life, WCU’s “Weeks of Welcome (WoW)” will feature a variety of programs designed to help new and existing students build connections, discover campus resources, and become engaged members of the Golden Ram community.
WoW HIGHLIGHTS FOR NEW STUDENTS: AUGUST 20 - 23
RAM RALLY UNDER THE LIGHTS: Friday, August 21, from 8 – 10 PM (LOCATION: Farrell Stadium)
A super high-energy celebration featuring a spirited fireworks display, Rammy (WCU’s beloved mascot), Cheer Team, Dance Team, lots of games and prizes, free Ram swag, and an awesome performance by the renowned Incomparable Golden Rams Marching Band!
GOLDEN HOUR WITH STUDENT AFFAIRS: Saturday, August 22nd, 7:00-9:00 pm (LOCATION: Academic Quad)
Students are invited to gather on the Academic Quad for music, giveaways, and an opportunity to meet classmates while enjoying one of the first evenings of the semester.
WELCOME AND CONVOCATION CEREMONY: Sunday, August 23, from 1:45 – 2:45 PM (LOCATION: Hollinger Field House)
The University's official welcome for the Class of 2030 will feature remarks from President Laurie Bernotsky and student leaders, performances by student organizations, and other surprises, as they begin their West Chester University journey.
HUMAN FORMATION OF “2030" (Their Class Year): Sunday, August 23, 3:00 – 3:30 (LOCATION: Academic Quad)
As a special WCU tradition, new students will exit their Convocation Ceremony in Hollinger Field House at 2:45 p.m. and gather on the Academic Quad to form the numbers 2-0-3-0 for their class photo. Following the photo, students will enjoy water ice from the Kona Ice truck and receive their exclusive Class of 2030 T-shirts.
CAMPUS LOCATIONS (Campus Map: https://www.wcupa.edu/campusMap/)
First-Year Student Residence Halls:
- Killinger Hall: 115 W. Rosedale Ave.
- Goshen Hall: 125 N. Campus Dr.
- Tyson Hall: 225 N. Campus Dr.
- University Hall: 180 University Ave.
- Allegheny Hall: 121 W. Rosedale Ave.
- Brandywine Hall: 709 S. New St.
- Commonwealth Hall: 715 S. New St.
- Schmidt Hall: 225 W. Rosedale Ave.
Asplundh Concert Hall: 700 South High Street, West Chester, PA
Farrell Stadium: 855 South New Street, West Chester, PA
Hollinger Field House: 150 University Avenue, West Chester, PA
West Chester University continues to experience stable enrollment and expects approximately 17,000 undergraduate and graduate students this fall. The University also continues to expand its online graduate offerings as part of its strategy to grow graduate enrollment. Official Fall 2026 enrollment figures will be released following the University's 15th day of classes.