MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Thousands of new and returning Middle Tennessee State University students have begun the process of moving in to on- and off-campus housing for the start of the 2025-26 academic year.
Along with the humidity on a warm day, move-in activity heated up on campus on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 11 residence halls, the Scarlett Commons apartments and Greek Row housing, said Michelle Safewright, executive director of MTSU Housing and Residential Life.
MTSU has a capacity of accommodating 2,699 students in campus housing. Move in on campus will continue from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Aug. 21-22.
Students are receiving “Welcome Home” attention from housing staff and through a campus street sign campaign.
With the assistance of her mother, Tanekka McCleod, and brother, Devin Ellis, freshman Olivia Ellis, of Memphis, was among the early arriving students receiving direction and help from campus housing and University and Student Services, which works with more than 100 colleges nationwide.
“We’ve had great weather. Things have gone smoothly with the move in,” Safewright said, adding that her staff and the USS personnel have helped make it a smooth transition and process for students and families.
“I’m very excited,” said Olivia Ellis, a Middle College May graduate who plans to be in the MTSU School of Nursing program, talking about move-in day finally becoming a reality. “Everybody’s been so friendly and helpful.”
McCleod said her daughter’s been “so excited, she’s been marking the days off on the calendar.”
With help from a friend and fellow theatre major, junior M.J. Learned, of Memphis, helped sophomore Brandi Lokey,of Crossville, move into McHenry Hall.
“It has been stressful,” Lokey said. “I’ve worried about getting all my things in the dorm, to make it cute and fit (in the space).”
Along with three days of scheduled moving in, students will be treated to the President’s Party in the Corridor near Keathley University Center in the heart of campus from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday. The event will feature a mix of games and activities.
At 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, new students, their families and others will attend the 24th annual University Convocation, considered the official start of the academic year.
Bob Welch, co-author author of “Healing Wounds, A Vietnam Combat Nurse’s 10-year Fight to Win Women a Place of Honor in Washington, D.C.,” the summer reading book for new students, will be the keynote.
A welcome back movie, “Big Hero 6,” will be shown starting at 8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, in the Student Union Commons.
Classes begin Monday, Aug. 25, marking the official start of the MTSU fall 2025 semester.
— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)
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