Over Labor Day weekend, St. John’s University welcomed 2,627 resident students to its Queens campus as part of its annual Move-In Weekend. This event marks the start of the fall semester and is a longstanding tradition for the university.
The influx included nearly 1,140 first-time, first-year students who arrived on Saturday, one day before returning students and ahead of classes beginning on September 3. The university reported higher than expected enrollment in residence halls this year, with notable increases from secondary markets such as Connecticut, New Jersey, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the broader Mid-Atlantic region.
Students came from 42 states and 62 countries to begin their studies at St. John’s. Among them was Julianna Mistretta from Brooklyn, NY, who plans to study Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Victor Hanzatian from Natick, MA intends to major in interdisciplinary Business at The Peter J. Tobin College of Business.
“This is an elite basketball school,” said Victor Hanzatian. “I am extremely excited for this new part of my life.”
“I wanted to stay more or less local,” said Julianna Mistretta. “Six people from my high school—Xaverian—are also coming here.”
First-year student Kaelyn Montesano from Mohegan Lake, NY expressed both apprehension and anticipation about starting college: “It is scary to start college, but exciting at the same time,” she said. “I know I made the right choice to come here. It is a good school with plenty of opportunities, and it helps that some of my best friends are coming here.” Her mother Karen Montesano added: “I do not think she could have picked a better school to attend. I am very proud and excited for her, and now it is time for her to spread her wings.”
The move-in period also highlighted family connections to St. John’s among incoming students. Mackenzie Crimmins of Garden City moved into Hollis Hall as a third-generation student; her father Brian Crimmins ’99SVC, ’01MS served as team manager for Red Storm Men’s Basketball during his time at St. John’s.
“It’s nice to attend the same college as my father,” Mackenzie said. “He can share his experiences and advice with me, and the memories he made here.” Brian Crimmins commented: “She is the first of my four children to leave the house, so it is a little emotional. But she is close to home, and it is nice for her to know that I went here.”
Move-In Weekend has become the busiest period for St. John’s Office of Residence Life since residence halls opened on campus 26 years ago—a milestone marking its transformation from a commuter institution into one with national reach.
Jason T. Bartlett, Ph.D., Director of Residence Life encouraged students: “Embrace this new experience” while reminding them about available support systems during their transition.
Throughout Saturday morning and afternoon cars lined up outside Gate One where staff from Public Safety greeted families while volunteers assisted new arrivals in settling into their rooms; lunch was served at Montgoris Dining Hall after move-in concluded.
Campus activities included celebratory music by the Pep Band from St. Vincent Health Sciences Center deck alongside a DJ performance and photo stations set up for families.
Ayeh El-Sarbali from Trenton NJ shared excitement about relocating: “I always wanted to be in New York City,” she said reflecting on her decision after attending a college fair in high school.
In addition to moving logistics volunteers provided information about extracurriculars ranging from counseling services to Campus Ministry programs Student Government Inc service opportunities wellness resources among others.
Allison Friedman arriving from Sea Cliff NY noted: “It is especially beautiful on a day like this,” referring to favorable weather conditions that accompanied move-in festivities.
