UConn kicks off fall semester

Aug. 30—STORRS MANSFIELD — The University of Connecticut's academic year began on Monday, as it was the first day of classes for the Storrs and regional campuses along with the School of Law in Hartford and UConn Health's medical and dental programs in Farmington.

UConn Interim President Radenka Maric welcomed back both new and returning students in a video posted to her Twitter page.

Ali Villano, a sophomore nursing major at UConn Storrs from Wallingford, is excited for the new school year. COVID-19 poses fewer risks than at the start of recent school years, so campus life is starting to regain a sense of normalcy.

"I was on campus last year, but with masks and distancing," she said. " It's really nice to be back in the classroom and be face to face with everybody."

The first day of classes came after a busy weekend on the Storrs and Stamford campuses.

First- year undergraduate students moved into Storrs residence halls throughout the day on Friday. They were followed by returning and transfer students on Saturday and Sunday.

UConn Stamford residential students moved into their residence halls on Saturday and Sunday.

This year's freshman class at the Storrs campus totals 4,075 students, the biggest freshman class the campus has ever had.

There are 1,750 new firstyear students at the regional campuses in Stamford, Waterbury, Hartford and Avery Point.

Connecticut is well-represented in the freshman class. The class includes residents of 158 of Connecticut's 169 towns and cities.

UCONN, Page 4