Class of 2029 makes Vanderbilt their home away from home at Move-In

There’s no better way to start a new chapter at Vanderbilt than with the enthusiastic Commodore hospitality at Move-In. New and transfer students received lots of help moving into the residential colleges over the last few days, especially first-year students in the Class of 2029, who moved into their home away from home, The Martha Rivers Ingram Commons.

Provost C. Cybele Raver flashes the beloved VU hand sign to new students during Move-In Day 2025. (Vanderbilt University)

Students get excited for the Class of 2029 at Move-In Day 2025 on The Ingram Commons. (Vanderbilt University)

These upper-division students are part of the Move Crew, who help the Class of 2029 move into The Ingram Commons during Move-In Day 2025. (Vanderbilt University)

Students move into their rooms on The Ingram Commons during Move-In Day 2025. (Vanderbilt University)

WATCH as younger siblings give their best advice at Move-In.

RESIDENTIAL COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

Vanderbilt’s residential college experience is a special aspect of student life at the university, rooted in authentic connection and engagement. Undergraduate houses and colleges are led by faculty who live with their families and pets in special suites within the residence halls and lead programming to create another vibrant layer of learning and community.

Vanderbilt welcomed four new faculty heads of house for the 2025–26 school year.

• Jesse Spencer-Smith is associate dean for partnerships and innovation in the College of Connected Computing, chief data scientist and interim director for the Data Science Institute, and professor of the practice of computer science.
• Jesús G. Ruiz is assistant professor of the practice in Caribbean studies, director of Caribbean Studies and coordinator of Foreign Language and Area Studies.
• Gilbert Gonzales is associate professor of medicine, health and society, director of public policy studies and associate director of the LGBTQ+ Policy Lab.
• Justin Quarry is principal senior lecturer in the Department of English.

Faculty head of Memorial House, Professor Celso Castilho, welcomes new students and families at Move-In Day 2025. (Vanderbilt University)

Katherine Friedman, associate provost for undergraduate research, with Brittany Chase, lecturer in ethnomusicology and assistant dean for nondegree programs at Vanderbilt Blair School of Music and faculty head of Gillette House on The Ingram Commons during Move-In Day 2025 (Vanderbilt University)

Mr. C and a new Vanderbilt family at Move-In Day 2025 (Vanderbilt University)

• See how the Class of 2029 celebrated Founders Walk
• Read about other faculty heads of house in this special series
• Learn more about Vanderbilt’s residential colleges
• Follow more Welcome Week excitement on Vanderbilt’s social channels