Monday, August 10, 2026

DENTON (UNT), Texas — Residence halls filled with rolling carts, overflowing suitcases and families making one last trip up the stairs as thousands of University of North Texas students moved into their new homes ahead of the fall semester.

For many first-year students, move-in weekend marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with excitement, nerves and the first chance to make campus feel like home.

“I’m excited about moving in,” said Zoe Dean, who’s majoring in rehabilitation studies. “I’m looking forward to decorating my dorm, meeting new people and getting to know my neighbors. I’m a very social person, so I’m excited to build connections and make new friends.”

The weekend brought together new students, returning students, families and campus volunteers as residence halls transformed empty rooms into spaces that reflected each student’s personality and interests.

“Moving in has been a little hectic, but fun,” said freshman Logan LaRose. “I’ve already met my suitemate and roommate and reunited with my best friend, who I’ve known since sixth grade. We tried Eagle Landing, and the food was amazing. I’m excited to explore campus, meet new people and start this new journey away from home.”

Among the students settling into their new homes were members of UNT’s PUSH (Persevere UNTil Success Happens) program, which supports students with experience in foster care. For these students, move-in weekend was the next step after a summer spent building friendships, learning campus resources and preparing for the semester ahead through PUSH’s Summer Bridge program.

“I was lost on what to do,” said Jade, a member of the PUSH Summer Bridge program. “It’s a big relief to have each other and a group that will continue to check on us. I wouldn’t be as confident as I am now without everyone. We built a family out of it because all we had was each other.”

A young man in a black tank top celebrates his new room with three os his friends surrounding him. His rooms red, black, and grey and features a poster of a basketball player.
PUSH students were surprised with personalized dream dorms before the semester began.

During the Summer Bridge program, these students lived in temporary residence halls, took a college course designed to prepare them for university-level academics and participated in workshops on topics including career development, budgeting, time management and campus resources.

“I feel prepared. We’re going to transition well,” said Arthur Lowery III, who’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree after earning his associate’s. “Many foster youth who age out of the foster system simply stop. I want to prove that we can pursue education, earn a degree and reach positions of real influence in society.”

As students across campus settled into their new spaces during move-in weekend, the PUSH students experienced an extra surprise waiting inside their rooms.

Before arriving on campus, each of them filled out a questionnaire sharing their dream dorm themes, favorite colors and items they would love to have in their room.

“For a lot of our students this is their first permanent address,” said PUSH coordinator Lindsey Foster. “This is their home. We want to make it special.”

What the PUSH students didn’t know was that partner non-profit Greater Than Expectations, which supports youth with foster care experience, would use those ideas to create personalized rooms with help from volunteer designers.

“It’s always a special day,” said founder Crystal Ward (Ed.D). “We want our students to know they are supported by a community that believes in their success from day one through graduation.”

Two young women walk into their dorm with a shocked expression. They look to their right at a lifted dorm bed surrounding by pink flower wall art.
PUSH students say having the completed dorms lifts a huge weight from their shoulders.

On move-in day, volunteers arrived on campus to decorate the rooms while students participated in activities including a campuswide scavenger hunt, improv class and yoga session. When it was time for the big reveals, they group traveled together to see the new spaces they would call home.

“Seeing them get this now and not having to wait as long as I have,” said Lowery, who lived in Extended Foster Care Supervised Independent Living after turning 18. “It’s amazing.”

Lowery’s dorm reflected his love for space with astronaut figurines, a galaxy-themed backpack and a neon sign of Saturn. After taking a moment to see his room for himself, he called for his new brothers to join him, excitedly pointing out the items that made the room his own.

Each room reflected its new owner: pink florals, horror movies, Kansas City Chiefs décor and more. Other important additions included a new TV, desk chairs, a full snack station and a coffee pot.

“As long as I got my coffee pot, I’d be happy,” said Dane Benge. “This is so much more than I expected. Horror movies were my mom and I’s thing. It means so much.”

For thousands of UNT students, move-in weekend represents the beginning of their college experience. For students in PUSH, it also represents the start of a new chapter surrounded by a community ready to support them.

“This takes a huge burden off our shoulders,” said Nariah Soto. “I’m just so thankful.”