For most of the Class of 2015, life on campus began with the lugging of suitcases, laptops, gallons of bottled water, lamps and other necessities into new dorm rooms.

With the Penn band playing in the background, Penn President Amy Gutmann visited the Quad dorms to welcome some of the nearly 2,500 freshmen and their families. The atmosphere was one of energetic anticipation, with families posing for photos and students making new friends.

President Gutmann toured the Quad’s renovated McClelland Hall, where the new Café McClelland allows students to use their dining dollars to eat meals or shop in a mini convenience store for staples, such as cereal.

Students in the Class of 2015 come from 49 of the 50 states and 66 countries. The largest numbers of students come from Pennsylvania (403), followed by New York (279) and New Jersey (243). Some of the nations represented by students in the freshman class include Australia, China, Panama and Zimbabwe.

Before classes begin on September 7, students will get better acquainted with Penn and the city during New Student Orientation.  They will visit Philadelphia historic sites, attend a Phillies baseball game, tour the Art Museum, and of course, sample Philadelphia’s famous cheesesteaks and soft pretzels.

Text by Jeanne Leong
Photos by Peter Tobia

View more photos from this event on Flickr