LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky is gearing up for another semester of classes with their fall move-in day. Volunteers helped thousands of students move into their dormitories as they prepare for a new school year.

Riley Steffey is a resident advisor helping people check in, get room keys, and move into their dorms. 

“We try to make it easier on everyone because I think the added support makes it easier for people to feel more comfortable,” Steffey said.

This is Laura Sustin’s second year as an RA. She says they are busy getting prepared weeks for students weeks before school begins. 

“We did extensive training for about two weeks now at this point where we’re getting all different types of information to make sure that there is emotional support and resources.”

This year, the UK reports over 6,000 students are moving into residence halls. 

“It’s kind of a wide variety of people. You know, some people come with just their mom, or other people come in with, you know, two generations like their mom or dad or grandparents or a little brother, you know, their cousins,” Steffey shared.

Steffey says she’s excited about seeing diversity and potential opportunities to support students’ experiences on campus. 

“That’s kind of one of the great things about living in a residence hall is that it brings in tons of people from different families, different structures to one place,” she said.

Sustin says they are looking forward to being a part of students’ growth. “We are in the creative arts LLP (Living Learning Program), so we’re hoping to see a whole bunch of different types of events that bring our residents together,” she said.

They are hoping to maintain an inviting environment for the semester ahead.