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Duke To Welcome 1,753 New Students to Campus Tuesday

Move-in begins several days of orientation activities

Class of 2022 welcome graphic with aerial photo

After many months of waiting, move-in day arrives Tuesday for the more than 1,700 first-year students at Duke University.

The 1,753 students hail from 43 countries and 48 states (including the United States). The states sending the most students to Duke, in order, are North Carolina, California, New York, Florida and New Jersey. Among the first-year students, 914 (52 percent) are female and 843 (48 percent) are male.

Also, roughly half of the incoming students identify as students of color.

More than 37,300 students applied for admission this year -- the highest number ever received -- with almost 33,300 applying under Duke’s Regular Decision program.

In December, 875 students were admitted under the university's binding Early Decision program.

“My staff and I are looking forward to welcoming these talented and interesting students to campus,” said Christoph Guttentag, dean of undergraduate admissions. “In selecting them, we looked for individuals who were inclined to take advantage of opportunities, and we know they’ll make the most of their Duke experience.” 

Along with saying goodbye to loved ones, unpacking their things and meeting their new classmates, a full slate of orientation activities awaits these students.

Parent and Family Orientation is Tuesday and Wednesday.

President Vincent E. Price will welcome new students during convocation at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Cameron Indoor Stadium. The university will livestream the event on Duke’s YouTube and Facebook channels. Convocation for graduate and professional students takes place in Duke Chapel at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The chapel’s website will livestream that event.

On Wednesday afternoon, undergraduate students will meet East Campus’ Faculty in Residence, which fosters faculty/student interaction outside the classroom.

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, Duke will also livestream the class photo on Facebook.

One major difference that the Class of 2022 will experience is a change to roommate policy: First-year students at Duke can no longer choose their roommates. Duke changed the policy to open up opportunities for students to engage with peers who may see the world differently. Most assignments will occur randomly.

"Our experience over many years assures us (and thus, you) that you’ll be fine … better in fact!” reads a letter to the students announcing the change.

“We believe that you’ll enjoy the opportunity to meet someone you’ve not previously known and will have a great opportunity to explore your roommate’s history, culture and interests. Who knows … you may get invited to a part of the world you wouldn’t otherwise get to see.”