UR classmates recorded the energy of orientation and wealth of activities surrounding the first few weeks on campus for first-year students. The flurry of check-in. Students rafting down the James River. Learning about UR’s 175-plus clubs at SpiderFest. Decades-old traditions, like signing the class banner, the Investiture and Proclamation welcoming ceremonies, and of course, the class picture.

First-year student Keira Linnane of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, helped film the new-student walk around campus and parts of the last-day-of-summer celebration, held just before the start of the school year.

Linnane described the first few weeks of school as busy, but worth it. “My brain was full of names and information,” she said.

When asked about her favorite part of school so far, she found it hard to narrow it down. “One of my favorite moments was getting my art installation approved by both deans and another was the Pups and Pops event,” Linnane said. “I miss my dog so much and it was really nice to relax with the dogs and spend time with my friends.” 

Linnane is also a member of the Redhots ultimate frisbee team and is learning how to balance extracurricular activities and academics.

About UR, she said, “it’s amazing. I love it here so much. I get emotional a few times a week that I’m actually here in college.”

As a prospective student, Linnane watched the videos posted to UR’s social media site.

“I was so excited about coming here, I watched about every YouTube and Instagram video I could get my hands on.”

She hopes the new video will be enlightening for those considering UR.

“Hopefully they’ll get a sense of how exciting it is to be here,” she said. “All of the events made us feel so welcomed and ready for the next steps.” Linnane said that being on the same schedule as her roommate and other students during orientation made it easier to meet people.