They came by car and plane, from across the city and around the world. AU’s first-year students—1,858 Eagles strong—traveled an average of 521 miles in late August to settle into their new nests on campus. Hailing from 40 countries, 47 states, Puerto Rico, and the District, the Class of 2027 brought with them a diversity of experiences (11 percent are first-generation college students), a wealth of knowledge (average GPA: 3.77), and, in a few cases, a friend (four sets of twins). They also brought lots of stuff. In between trips to the car for their boxes, bags, tchotchkes, and treasures, American asked first-year students: What’s the first thing you unpacked?
- Sahib Kaur, SPA/BA ’27, Northbrook, Illinois: pictures of my family and friends
- Taylor Epstein, CAS/BA ’27, Oak Park, California: pictures of my friends
- Rohan Naval, SPA/BA ’27, London, Kentucky: laptop
- Zoe Gilson, SPA/BA ’27 West Orange, New Jersey: monthly calendar to remember important new events
- Alisun Coldiron, CAS/BA ’27, Media, Pennsylvania: plants
- Jack Peterson, CAS/BA ’27, Stillwater, Minnesota: my books
- Tinsaie Demissie, SIS/BA ’27, Lorton, Virginia: my stuffed animals
- Damian Lem, SPA/BA ’27, El Paso, Texas: passport wallet from late friend, Valeria
- Olivia Hunter, CAS/BA ’27, Coronado, California: pictures and trinkets from around the world
- Charlotte Siena, SPA/BA ’27, Bloomington, Indiana: rug
- Aaryan Sharma, Kogod/BA ’27, Nesconset, New York: my shoes
- Julia Shavel, SOC/BA ’27, Irvin, Pennsylvania: pictures of my dog
- Anastasiya Kolosovsky, SIS/BA ’26, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota: my world map
- David Snell, SIS/BA ’27, Humboldt, Tennessee: laptop
- Ailani Diaz, CAS/BA ’27, Washington, DC: concert poster