Across Campus - A Photo Essay

Move-in days for Old Dominion University's fall semester were held Aug. 24-28. The University features more than 1.3 million square feet of residential space, including 15 residential communities, 14 living-learning communities and four neighborhoods. They house approximately 5,300 students, half of which are first-year students. Photos Chuck Thomas and David B. Hollingsworth/ODU

Freshman Tiffany Washington heads to her residence hall in the Rogers Complex with her arms filled with essentials. Photo David B. Hollingsworth/ODU

Moms and dads don “proud parent” T-shirts and brave extreme heat to move in their children. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Before going into Chartway Arena for check-in, first-year students and their families go through a COVID-19 checkpoint. ODU offered free vaccines. Photo David B. Hollingsworth/ODU

The Reign Train is a daily activity for returning students and newcomers. The first in the series was making Reign the Mermaid string art. Elena Adam begins the process by tacking small nails on a board. Photo David B. Hollingsworth/ODU

Reign the Mermaid string art is finally completed. Photo David B. Hollingsworth/ODU

ODU's leadership hosts an ice cream social, complete with free family T-shirts. Photo David B. Hollingsworth/ODU

ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., arrives at Chartway Arena for his first convocation ceremony for new students. Photo David B. Hollingsworth/ODU

New Monarchs listen to speakers during the convocation. Photo David B. Hollingsworth/ODU

President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D., talks with Nevaeh Chambers, a freshman from Richmond, during the first day of student move-in. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

It is all hands on deck for this family on move-in day. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Tai Saunders looks at his freshly planted bamboo while Ronald Carnal adds finishing touches to his plant. The activity is part of the Reign Train during The Monarch Experience. Photo David B. Hollingsworth/ODU

This family takes one last photo before saying goodbye. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Family members smile as they bring in the last few items. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Moving boxes and dollies make moving students' belongings into residence halls a bit easier. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

ODU volleyball players help parents unpack and students move in. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

This student is all smiles as she and her family move her things into Owens House. Photo Chuck Thomas/ODU

Samantha Wagner watches a student take off with a stand-up paddleboard. Photo David B. Hollingsworth/ODU

Cameryn Norris checks out her new "plant friend" during the Reign Train's “Planting your Roots at ODU.” Photo David B. Hollingsworth/ODU

Samantha Wagner of the Outdoor Adventure Program gives students final instructions before sending them kayaking. The program, which was conducted at Whitehurst Beach, also offered stand-up paddleboards. Photo David B. Hollingsworth/ODU