Students Returning to UC Campus

The University of Charleston is preparing to welcome hundreds of new and returning Golden Eagles to campus as the University kicks off the 2026-27 academic year.

New students will move into their campus homes on Saturday, August 15. New students will arrive between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., and returning students will arrive Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., as well as Monday, August 17, and Tuesday, August 18. More than 700 students are expected to live on UC's Charleston campus this fall.

UC Classes begin Wednesday, August 19.

UC student-athletes and student leaders, many of whom returned to campus earlier this month, will be on hand Saturday to welcome new students and help families unload vehicles and move belongings into the residence halls. UC President Marty Roth will also greet students and families throughout the day.

"We are so excited to have our students here," UC President Marty Roth said. "We've worked hard all summer to ensure the move-in experience is seamless and to provide plenty of opportunities for our students to make friends, get involved and feel ready for a successful semester."

Move-in weekend will also mark the beginning of New Student Orientation, with activities Saturday and Sunday designed to introduce students to campus life, academic resources and the UC community. Students and families can enjoy an ice cream social Saturday evening, followed by a new student block party Sunday at 5:00 p.m.

Welcome Week activities will continue Tuesday, August 18, with UC's annual EagleFest beginning at 4:00 p.m. on the riverbank lawn.

On Thursday, August 20, UC and West Virginia State University students will head downtown for the annual "Downtown Takeover," beginning at 6:00 p.m. The event introduces students to restaurants, businesses, entertainment and other opportunities in downtown Charleston.