At a little before 9 a.m. yesterday, Bowdoin security began letting in the waiting cars filled with first-year students, their families, and loads of stuff. Residential Life staff, who had been waiting at the dorm entrances, rushed to meet them, opening trunks and grabbing bags even before parents could hop out of their seats.

What followed was a busy day for first-years as they met roommates and proctors, found their SU mailbox, registered bicycles, and said goodbye to family members and friends.

At 4 p.m., the first-years checked in with their orientation trip in Farley Field House, which, as it is every year, had been transformed into a tent city. The rest of the evening was spent in preparing for the three-day orientation trips, which leave this morning, and starting the process of getting to know classmates.

Here is a look at the 511 entering students in the Class of 2022 at a glance:

• 48% men, 52% women
• 67% from outside of New England
• 35% students of color
• 9% from outside the US
• 10% Maine residents
• more than 14% first generation (neither parent has a four-year degree)

Photos by Tristan Spinski

After first-year students drop their bags off in their rooms, they head to Farley Field House to start their three-day orientation trips. All the students sleep in the field house before dispersing across the state to go hiking, backpacking, rafting, canoeing, bicycling, volunteering, and more. The time lapse covers 3 p.m. Tuesday to 8:15 a.m. Wednesday.