Operation Move-In welcomes largest number of residential students to Wright State’s Dayton Campus in over a decade

Wright State University welcomed more than 2,300 new and returning residential students to the Dayton Campus with a full schedule of traditional and new activities during Operation Move-In on Aug. 21-24.

More students are living in Wright State’s residential housing this year, with 1,017 moving into campus apartments and over 1,287 moving into residence halls, said Jennifer Attenweiler, director of Residence Life.

“This is the most residential students we’ve had living on campus in over 10 years,” said Attenweiller.

Students moved into the residence halls on Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 21 and 22. Apartment residents will move in on Saturday, Aug. 24.

‘I’m so excited to meet new people,” said Emma Hayslett, who moved into Maple Hall and plans to major in marketing. “I did tour other colleges and Wright State just felt so right.”

More than 270 volunteers were on hand to assist with navigating traffic and parking during move-in. Students, staff and faculty volunteers also helped students to move their belongings into dorm rooms and apartments.

Attenweiler credits the increase in residential housing to a record-high retention rate among students who have opted to continue living on campus. Around 67% of students who lived on-campus last year chose to return this year.

“Wright State is just perfect for me,” said Samantha Dreier, a first-year student who plans to double major in media studies and theatre studies. “It felt like home as soon as I stepped on campus.”

Attenweiller said the proximity to campus saves students money on gas, provides easy access to maintenance staff and campus dining, and creates a student-friendly experience for those living on campus.

Wright State kicks off First Weekend activities on Friday, Aug. 23, to acclimate first-year and transfer students to campus and help them get acquainted before the Fall Semester begins on Monday, Aug. 26.

First Weekend activities will include the Rowdy’s Rave, the Student Organization Expo, Student Union After Dark, mud volleyball and much more.

“These events are a ton of fun and a great way for students to learn about campus and make new friends before classes start,” said Attenweiler.

A full list of First Weekend activities is available at wright.edu/firstweekend.