Friday, Aug 15, 2025 • Cristal Gonzalez : Contact

Mavericks were spotted back on campus at The University of Texas at Arlington, as students settled into their residence halls and campus apartments during Move-In Day. 4,500-plus students will live in one of UT Arlington’s five residence halls and seven apartment communities during the 2024-25 academic year, with more than 10,000 overall living on or adjacent to campus.

Josue Hernandez, an incoming nursing major, moved into the newly opened Maverick Hall. Now the largest residence hall on campus, the facility has capacity for 654 students.

Hernandez is the second Maverick in his family, and he joins his sister, Isabel, on campus. The siblings will be neighbors, with Josue in Maverick Hall and Isabel in West Hall.

“I’m excited for the college experience and the environment. I wanted to live on campus to get that experience, but still be close to home,” said Josue.

Nyla Harvey is also an incoming freshman at Maverick Hall. She’s excited to meet new people and be more social.

“I’ve always been interested in building things, probably since I was in middle school. I liked playing building design games—I really have a good time doing that. That’s where my interest in architecture came in,” said Harvey, who plans to major in the subject.

Layla Williams, an incoming freshman moving into West Hall, says getting ready to move in was not as hectic as she thought it would be.

“We’ll probably have to take three or four trips up the elevator,” said Williams’ mother. “If it wasn’t for her shoe collection, we would be done in under two.”

Williams is going to major in kinesiology—in fact, it’s the reason she chose UTA.

“That program is really good here at UTA,” she said. “I’m looking forward to being on campus, getting my classes in and meeting new people.”

Yu Chen, an incoming data science major, says he has a lot to explore on UTA’s 420-acre campus. The top thing on his list is the Maverick Activities Center, conveniently located right next door to his room in West Hall.

“This is only my second time on campus. I came for orientation and today,” said Chen. “I’m excited to be here and get more involved in the intramural sports teams and leagues on campus.”

Move-In Day marks the beginning of Maverick Stampede, the official kickoff to the new semester filled with fun and exciting events and activities. Classes begin on Monday, Aug. 18, for the 2025 fall semester.