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Photos: TMU a buzz as 1,100+ students arrive on move-in day

Canadian and international students bring excitement and energy to campus residences
By: Michelle Grady
August 27, 2025
A person in a mascot costume with four students posing with their suitcases.

TMU mascot Frankie poses with incoming  volunteers who were on hand to help move students’ belongings up to their rooms. Photos by Michelle LePage and Denee Rudder

They arrived with big boxes, big dreams, hopeful hellos and see you later’s.  

The annual ritual of move-in day unfolded across TMU's three residence buildings this past Sunday, with more than 1,100 students claiming their new spaces.

This year's incoming residence class reflects TMU's growing diversity, with 83 per cent of students arriving from communities across Canada and 17 per cent travelling from international destinations.

The largest group of international students comes from the United States, followed by Trinidad and Tobago. 

Move-in day serves as the official kick-off to TMU's Orientation experience. Students settle into one of three on-campus residences: Pitman Hall, the Daphne Cockwell Complex or the International Living/Learning Centre (ILLC).

The timing gives them a full week to acclimate before classes begin on September 2.

TMU is ready to welcome over 9,000 new first-year students total this fall semester. Orientation Week, running through September 1, offers concerts, campus tours, arts and crafts, game nights and free lunch events.

See below for key moments captured during this milestone move-in day.

A mascot holding several suitcases with a smiling parent in the background.

Frankie the Falcon, TMU’s mascot, was on-site to cheer the first-year students on – and offer a little muscle – on move-in day.

Three students holding envelopes smile for the camera.

First-year students are all smiles as they move into Pitman Hall.

A group of people pose for a photo.

TMU staff were also on-site to lend a hand and answer any questions students may have had.

A group of women pose for a photo.

TMU Bold Women’s Basketball team joined other student athletes as they helped new students move into their residence rooms.

A group of students under a canopy in line to move in to residence.

Some of the items students brought to their new homes included mini fridges, computers, musical instruments and snacks.

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