STATESBORO, Ga. — Excitement is in the air as Georgia Southern University welcomes a record-breaking number of freshmen this year. Over 5,900 new students are moving in, contributing to a total enrollment of more than 29,000. President Dr. Kyle Marrero highlighted the need for everyone to pitch in during this busy “Operation Move-In” day.
The local community is stepping up, with various organizations volunteering to help. Dr. Marrero noted that you can see welcoming signs all over Statesboro and Savannah, showing how integral the university is to the region’s economy. “This is important,” he said, emphasizing the connection between Georgia Southern graduates and the local workforce. Last year, over 5,700 degrees were awarded, underscoring the university’s vital role in the area’s growth.
Meanwhile, on the Armstrong campus in Savannah, students are also starting to arrive. Families are lending a hand as they settle in, and President Marrero plans to greet new students during the move-in process. Traffic is likely to be heavy, especially on Abercorn Street, as the hustle and bustle continues throughout the day.
Interestingly, the trend of increasing enrollment isn’t unique to Georgia Southern. Many universities across the U.S. are seeing a surge in students. According to recent data from the National Student Clearinghouse, enrollment in public colleges increased by about 3% nationwide this fall, reflecting a post-pandemic bounce-back in higher education.
As students unload their cars and get settled, they’ll also have the chance to explore all that Savannah has to offer. The campus is just a short trip from the vibrant downtown area, which is known for its rich history and lively atmosphere. Many students living in Armstrong can expect to make the most of their new environment, all while looking forward to their first classes starting on August 13.
Overall, this year’s move-in is not just about settling into dorms; it’s about becoming part of a larger community. With the support of the Statesboro and Savannah areas, these freshmen are poised to have a memorable start to their college journey.

