A student moving into Plaza Towers West, on campus housing, in 2024. (Juan Benn Jr./The Hilltop Archives)
As the August sun rises over Howard University, campus streets will come alive again with movement, chatter, and the rumble of suitcase wheels, as more than 2,700 freshmen arrive for move-in, marking the official start of their Howard journey.
The incoming class represents 47 states, 34 countries and approximately 900 first-generation students. Additionally, 98 percent of students are from outside of Washington, D.C., as reported by Howard University.
Students and families are assigned move-in shifts based on last names and residence halls; however, beyond the logistics, the move-in process marks a pivotal emotional and social moment. Students arrive not only with dorm essentials but with aspirations, nervousness, excitement and the anticipation of building lifelong connections.
Kendra MaGee, sophomore psychology major and dance minor from Memphis, Tennessee, volunteered as a HerdLeader to assist and support programming and Bison Week. MaGhee hopes to pass down the actions of building connections with professors and putting themselves out there.
“I have loved meeting every new student and making sure that they can contact me if they have any questions or for me to be a new friend,” she said.
Incoming freshman Maliyah Long, a pre-med major from Greensboro, North Carolina, decided to come to Howard because of her older sister’s experience as an alumna.” Long is excited and nervous to experience Howard at its fullest, become more social, and attend events like the pinning ceremony.
“Pushing myself to every limit possible; networking, being more social and doing everything for my education,” She said, describing her key to having a successful freshman year. “Everything is through God, push through and pray. I put everything in his hands.”
Alexi Waddy, a TV Media & Film production major from Virginia, said she is excited to get involved with the chorus, theatrics and other opportunities within the fine arts department.
“Howard was the first HBCU on my radar and Howard is the way to make me known while being around people who understand that,” said the aspiring attorney. “I want to be supported and seen; secure for the future.”
Waddy is both scared and excited as this is her first time away from family but wants to take every opportunity given, see growth and experience connections. She expressed that she aspires to be a student council member to push for what students need and give fellow bison a way to voice issues.
She stated that “it is refreshing to go to a school where people look like me and know how it feels to be young and Black growing up in America.”
Incoming freshman Reede Johnson, a communication and theater arts major from Chicago, Illinois, made his decision to attend The Mecca after meeting Howard students in middle school and for a presentation he did about getting Black students into HBCUs. The experience left a lasting impression.
Despite recent concerns regarding financial aid and dorms shared on social media about the university, Johnson remains undeterred and focused on the reasons that drew him to Howard.
“Don’t let ambition rob you of presence,” he said, quoting a line from his salutatorian speech and one he often repeats at church.
Orientation programming begins almost immediately after move-in. Both social and academic orientation programming are designed to help students settle in, make connections and begin absorbing the culture and legacy that define life on The Yard.
“One piece of advice I could give to Class of 2029 is to build a connection with your professors and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, especially when it comes to friends,” MaGee said. “You never know who you can meet and become best friends with.”
Copy Edited by D’Nyah Jefferson – Philmore
