Exeter Welcomes Students

September 7, 2011

They're here! New students are arriving on campus today, with parents, siblings, smiles and suitcases. Despite the persistent rain, the mood is one of excitement. This year Exeter welcomes 333 new students from around the world. The remaining 729 – old hands at Harkness – arrive tomorrow ready to get started on another year of collaborative, discussion-based learning. In the 2011–2012 school year, Exeter's students come from 45 states, the District of Columbia, Guam and 34 foreign countries.

William, a new lower from Kentucky, "can't wait to move in." He's already hitting it off with his new Knight House roommate, Stuart, who he met for dinner last night. For William – who describes his passions as long-boarding, guitar and dogs – moving to a coastal community is just one more plus since his favorite subject is marine biology. "He's the first in our family to have this opportunity," says William's dad, beaming. "It's truly a gift." Mom chimes in, "We're so proud of him."

"I'm nervous, excited, anxious a little, and a bit lost, but mostly excited," says new prep Saisha who hails from the Chicago area. She loves theater and dance. She's already signed up for dance auditions. "Everyone in Hoyt Hall seems really nice," Saisha says of her new dorm. Saisha's mom is enjoying meeting faculty and seeing campus. "Exeter does a great job of creating community, especially at the Harkness table," she says. "I love the diversity here."

Exeter warmly welcomes new students and their families with a series of events, including a Principal's Reception with Tom Hassan, parent meetings with faculty, and open Q-and-A sessions.

Over the next few days, students will have many opportunities to get to know the campus, make new friends and reconnect with old ones, and relax before classes start on Friday immediately after Opening Assembly.

Check out the list of activities in the first few days of school...

Returning students will find many surprises. Phillips Hall underwent major work, including installation of new windows, a new roof, construction of dormers, new telecommunications and electrical service, and interior demolition on two upper floors. Replacement of the steam distribution system continued at various locations including between Elm Street Dining Hall and the Davis Center, across Court Street, and to several dorms. Mayer Art Center received a new roof. More than 10 dorms and buildings were painted over the summer, and an additional 5 received masonry repairs.

Read more about these projects...

See an article about the renovations that took place this summer...

— Nicole Pellaton