The Class of 2016 Moves In

August 30, 2012

Carrying all the essentials of dorm life, including televisions, bedding, laptops, and entire wardrobes on hangers and in suitcases, nearly 2,500 freshmen have begun their Penn experience.

At Hill College House, Corinne Millner, a Penn parent from New York City, was a bit surprised to see President Gutmann, who approached her and her daughter Allison as they were rolling a cart filled with personal belongings.

“I think it displays the vibe we’ve gotten since day-one about Penn,” Millner said. “That everyone is very involved, and that everything is very well-organized, and everyone goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable and keep you informed.”

“My first day of college! Wow!” Allison exclaimed. “I’m excited, a little nervous. It’s all kind of chaotic and fun at the same time.”

As a member of the class of 2016, Allison is one of a group of highly diverse students representing all 50 states and Puerto Rico. Most, 394, hail from Pennsylvania, followed by 279 from New York, 235 from New Jersey, and 224 from California.

This freshman class also includes nearly 350 international students from 69 countries, including China, India, Guatemala, New Zealand, Ghana, and Ireland.

Before classes begin on Sept. 5, students will spend five days getting to know one another and getting familiar with Penn and the City of Philadelphia through New Student Orientation events.

They’ll find out what awaits them during their upcoming years at Penn. They’ll visit the Art Museum and some of the city’s other historic landmarks. They’ll indulge in a cheese steak, and even learn what it means to order the Philly delicacy “with” or “without.”

For more images see President Gutmann's Flickr gallery.

Text by Jeanne Leong

Photographers: Scott Spitzer and Steve Minicola

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