Wright State welcomes another increase in residential students this fall

Volunteers will help more than 2,400 new and returning students move into campus housing on the Dayton Campus this week.

More than 2,400 students are expected to live on Wright State University’s Dayton Campus this fall — 125 more than at this time last year and the highest number of on-campus residents in the past 10 years. 

That growth will be on full display Aug. 19–20 as Wright State welcomes students and families for residence hall move-in. More than 360 faculty, staff and student volunteers will be on hand to help students unload their belongings, navigate campus and settle into their new homes. 

Nearly 1,000 new undergraduate students are expected to live on the Dayton Campus this fall, while more than half of returning residential students are planning to live on campus again — the second-highest renewal rate in 10 years. 

“There’s a real joy to our move-in days,” said Eric Corbitt, dean of students. “Returning students are reconnecting with friends, new students are starting a whole new journey, and families and friends are here to share it with them. That mix is what makes it special.” 

Students and families participating in Move-In with the Pack should follow all move-in directions, arrive during their designated time window, be patient as traffic moves through campus and, most importantly, enjoy the experience. 

A new look for campus 

Students returning to the Dayton Campus this fall will also see several changes. 

A new roundabout in front of the Student Union will help improve traffic flow and create a more welcoming entrance to campus. The roundabout connects directly to Raider Row, a new development anchored by Chick-fil-A that will bring new retail, dining and community space to campus. 

Inside the Student Union, new wayfinding signage will make the building easier to navigate, while a new admissions presentation space will provide a welcoming setting for prospective students and families visiting campus. 

Fresh landscaping, new trees and Raider-branded banners around the Nutter Center also give the campus a refreshed look. Wright State has welcomed Coca-Cola as its new campus beverage partner. 

These changes will provide a new backdrop as students begin the academic year and make Wright State their home. 

“Our move-in days set the tone for a student’s entire year here, and we wanted this year’s first impression to be one of ease and belonging,” Corbitt said. “From a more welcoming entrance to campus to spaces that just make sense the moment you walk in, these changes are about helping students feel at home faster.” 

Nearly 1,000 new undergraduate students are expected to live on the Dayton Campus this fall, while more than half of returning residential students are planning to live on campus again.

Fall Semester begins with Weeks of Welcome 

Wright State will help new and transfer students transition to college life with Weeks of Welcome, a six-week program designed to help them build connections and get involved. 

Highlights include: 

• First-Year Kick-Off Celebration: Friday, Aug. 21, 10:30 a.m., Amphitheatre
• First-year student class photo: Friday, Aug. 21, noon, North Lawn
• Clap-In and Cookout with President Edwards: Friday, Aug. 21, 12:15 p.m., Wright Plaza
• Raider Serve, community service day: Saturday, Aug. 22, 10 a.m., Student Union Endeavour and Atlantis rooms
• Fall Fest: Friday, Aug. 28, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., North Lawn, Mall, Wright Plaza