Welcome back, Wildcats. This year UK welcomed about 5,000 new freshmen from over 20 different countries who anxiously awaited the first day of classes. 

Some prepared by reviewing the K Week schedule or choosing where they are going to live in one of the renamed residence halls. 

Others like freshmen finance major Brandon Terry, “made sure to buy his books early” to ensure future success. 

No matter how much they planned, most freshmen could not prepare for the same worries almost all of them share. 

Karleigh Hollis, a communications freshman, is worried about “trying to master time management and getting up to go to classes,” which is something most freshmen have in common. Others are worried about homesickness and social lives. 

Despite these reservations however, many students feel great about the upcoming year and are ready for school to begin. 

With exclamations of eagerness and excitement, the day freshmen have anxiously been waiting for has finally come. Many new Wildcats are excited to participate in some of UK’s most famous traditions this year, like storming State Street after a big basketball win or just going to Ovid’s and getting a spicy burrito wrap. Lindsey Hollis, undecided freshman, “cannot wait for football games and being able to tailgate.” 

Although UK is known for excellence in athletics, UK excels in a lot of other areas as well such as academics and student activities. 

Campus is home to over 500 clubs and organizations that students can get involved in, anything from Greek Life to squirrel watching to 4 Paws for Ability to intramural sports. Even on the first two days of classes it is clear to see how strong the Lexington community is, with organizations everywhere around campus striving to make the adjustment to college an easier one. 

First day of school photos were taken outside of William T. Young Library and for the next few days, stations will be on campus with water and staff who will be answering questions and giving directions. 

Even the faculty is excited for the school year. Director of Recruitment and Rentention for the College of Communication and Information Skylar Simpson is eager to “meet all the new freshmen, work with the CI Connect LLP, and return to teaching after a two-year hiatus.” 

Being a Wildcat means an endless amount of opportunities, so while every student’s reason for coming here may vary, the one thing that everyone has in common is love for the Big Blue Nation.