WATCH: Why the UK Community Comes Together to Welcome Wildcats

Video produced by UK Marketing and Brand Strategy. To view captions for this video, push play and click on the CC icon in the bottom right hand corner of the screen. If using a mobile device, click on the "thought bubble" in the same area.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Aug. 21, 2019) — On the drive from her hometown of Taylorsville, Kentucky, to Lexington on Monday, University of Kentucky freshman Amelia Floyd couldn’t contain her excitement, and yes, even a few butterflies.

“When it’s your first year, it is kind of scary to leave home,” Floyd said.

But as the new animal sciences major pulled onto the tree-lined sidewalk outside of Lewis Hall, she noticed a small army of volunteers there to greet, direct and help her unload all of her stuff.

“Everyone was so helpful,” said Floyd. “To me it means that people are going to be here for you and help you.” 

Those helping Floyd on Monday were part of a large contingent of faculty, staff, students and administrators who volunteered their time during Move-In 2019, which started Saturday, Aug. 17, and continues through today.

Laurel Wood, who serves as the business continuity coordinator for the UK Police Department, has helped with Move-In in some capacity in each of the eight years she’s been with UK. She wouldn’t dream of missing the opportunity to help welcome new students and their families. In fact, she makes it a point to talk fellow UK staff members into helping every year.

“Everyone’s involved,” Wood said. “From the staff to the faculty, to the students who are returning. I hope the students can see that we’re here for each other and that we’re a community. We are a family.”

In the video feature above, you’ll meet other members of the UK family who relish helping new students during Move-In year after year. Watch as new Wildcats — and their families — express gratitude for a warm welcome.

For more information on Fall Move-in 2019, visit: www.uky.edu/housing/fall-move-in-2019.