UA Little Rock Welcomes Large Group for Fall Move-In
Even triple-digit temperatures couldn’t stop enthusiastic University of Arkansas at Little Rock students from eagerly finding their homes for the new school year during the university’s move-in days.
Sophomore Caleb Shirley enjoyed his freshman year in East Hall so much he decided to live there again, with the same roommate.
“It’s nice to be on campus — I met a lot of people — and all the food spots are pretty nice,” said the political science major. “I like all my political science teachers — they’re really good at what they do — and just the whole nice environment on campus.”
Moving the second time was also “a lot smoother,” than when he was a freshman on campus for the first time. It’s “super organized, and the police are doing a great job” directing traffic.
As a sophomore, Shirley plans to be more active on campus, including getting involved with student government, as he wants to attend UA Little Rock’s William H. Bowen School of Law.
“I want to join more clubs, extend myself, and meet more people,” said the Wynne native.
The university estimates more than 1,100 students will be living on campus this year, an increase of roughly 6% from fall 2025, according to the Dean of Students, Dr. Richard E. Harper.
Preliminary enrollment figures show combined undergraduate and graduate headcount up 5% and nearly 300 students for this fall, with student semester credit hours up 11% compared with the same time last year. Undergraduate enrollment continues to lead that growth, with headcount up 7%, or more than 325 students, and undergraduate credit hours increasing 12%, as of late July.
Freshman Chase Cearns was attracted to UA Little Rock for several reasons, including the campus, which is “really pretty (and offers) a lot of nature.”
Cearns — an accomplished speech and debate competitor from Cabot High School who was selected for the Arkansas Governor’s School — plans to major in English, and he appreciates that “everyone has been really helpful” as he moved into West Hall. He was also intrigued by the litany of Welcome Week events as an opportunity to make new friends.
The university began moving students in Wednesday, August 19, and move-in continues through Sunday, August 23, with classes beginning Monday, August 25.
Freshmen Sophie French and Jacey May were both drawn to the university in large part by its strong and growing nursing program.
“I’ve heard the nursing program is really good, and I want to help people” as a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse, said French, who is from Mayflower.
“A lot of nice people have been helping us” move into East Hall, she added.
May’s boyfriend and several other friends are all enrolling at UA Little Rock this fall, and “everyone has been warm and welcoming,” she said.
In addition to the nursing program, May was attracted to UA Little Rock by an impressive campus tour. The university is also “close to home” for the Little Rock resident, and she’s excited for “new experiences” as a college student living on campus.