New year, same pride. Tigers roared into the fall semester last week, bringing TU’s campus to life with joy and jitters as they moved into residence halls, got to know each other through activities and carnival games and took over Unitas Stadium for the football home opener. Below, see photos highlighting some of the best moments from the start to the academic year.

 

Sweet send-offs

students pushing a cart filled with items during campus move-in
HRL staff helping with carts at campus move-in

Approximately 6,000 students filled carts, greeted roommates and hugged family members goodbye as they settled into their new digs in campus residence halls. Some students got a hand from Housing & Residence Life staff who helped carry bags and push carts to make the process easier.

Continuing traditions

More than 4,500 new students were officially welcomed into the TU community at Convocation Aug. 21. Afterward, the group tackled their first challenge as Tigers: arranging themselves into the TU logo for their official class photo. The photo is a nearly decade-long class tradition.

Getting acquainted

student taking a selfie with doc the tiger
a student receiving a frozen treat from a food truck

Move-In jumpstarted a series of action-packed events helping new Tigers settle in, make friends and have fun before classes began. The incoming class came together for a movie night, maker space, karaoke, speed friending, food trucks, glow party, carnival rides and more. TU's beloved mascot Doc offered selfies and support throughout the weekend.

Kicking off classes

students in a dance class

Students grabbed their backpacks and broke out their books (and for some dance students, leotards) for the first day of classes on Mon., Aug. 24. More than 5,400 class sections are being offered this fall, ranging from paleoanthropology and archaeology to conflict and negotiation. The class with the highest enrollment? Introductory biology for health professions, of course.

A black & gold bash

TU staff in Tiger Tuesday shirts handing out giveaways
students riding on a carnival ride

Games, rides and giveaways filled Tiger Plaza with festivity in celebration of the first Tiger Tuesday Bash of the year. The event honors the TU tradition of wearing black and gold every Tuesday to show off Tiger pride. Additional Tiger Tuesday bashes will be held in October, February and May.

Side hustlers

a tu student talking to a potential employer at the job fair

The Part-Time & On-Campus Job Fair packed the University Union ballrooms with campus departments looking to hire student employees. Resumes were shared and interviews were secured as Tigers found new opportunities for earning money and gaining experience on campus. Opportunities for office assistants, gallery attendants, student diversity ambassadors and more are still open on Handshake.

Season opener

three students in gold jerseys excited at a TU football game
Unitas Stadium during the 2026 football home opener

Unitas Stadium roared with the sounds of crowd cheers, marching band music and touchdown celebrations as TU took on Maine in the football season opener Aug. 27. The lucky 2,000 fans who entered the game first scored free jerseys, painting the stadium gold. The Tigers’ next home game will be the Battle for Greater Baltimore as they take on Morgan State at 6 p.m. Sat., Sept. 19.