On move-in day, bright orange moving barrels were paraded through Cal State Fullerton’s dormitories as approximately 2,100 new and returning students moved into their second home for the 2024-25 academic year.
Families, friends, faculty and staff gathered Aug. 22-23 to welcome students to campus, introduce them to resources and prepare them for their academic careers. CSUF President Ronald Rochon, who took office as university president on July 22, also participated in his first move-in day festivities, greeting the Titans and welcoming them to the start of a new year.
First steps in campus life
Move-in day marked a milestone for freshmen students like Erik Paiva, an artist who believes inspiration awaits him at CSUF.
“I chose Cal State Fullerton because the university here has such a wonderful art program and the campus has such a vibrant social community. What better way to start as an artist than to go to a new place like this where I can find new inspiration every day?” Paiva said.
At the College of the Arts, Paiva will work on one of his biggest goals – making a Disney film. With the Visual Arts Modernization Project, Paiva will have access to new buildings, renovated digital arts classrooms, and more.
“When I see the environment, the community and the excitement, I feel like he’s in a really great place,” said Paiva’s mother, Chris, who helped him move into his new home on campus. “This is the beginning of the rest of his life.”
Titans moving to campus also have the opportunity to learn about activities, clubs and organizations that align with their interests. Lesly Juarez, a freshman moving into the dorms, was especially excited to learn about CSUF’s varsity sports.
“Today means a lot to me,” said Juarez, who is studying kinesiology and plans a career as an athletic director for a professional volleyball team. “Moving to campus is a good opportunity for me because growing up I didn’t have a lot of resources or places to turn to for help. Now that I’m here, I’m excited to have that support, meet new people and get out of my comfort zone.”
Introduction of new topic communities
Students had the opportunity to move into themed housing communities based on themes such as majors, shared interests, academic goals, and personal identities. This year, Housing and Residential Engagement added three new communities to support students: Titan Transfer Gateway for transfer students; APISAA Community for Asian, Pacific and South Asian American students; and Titans Unidos for Latino students. Other communities include: Athena House, Ujima Community, and Rainbow House.
Among the excited newcomers was Lorna Cariaga, a transfer student from Glendale Community College who moved into the Titan Transfer Gateway. Cariaga, an aspiring museum curator and art history major, said she chose CSUF because of its welcoming environment and resources for new transfer students.
“Having other transfer students on the same floor gives me the opportunity to make friends with people who know what it’s like to go from community college to university,” she said. “This community provides me with a safe place to settle into my academic and social life much more easily.”
