The 49ers marching band practices in the field along University City Boulevard last week.

UNC Charlotte roars back to life this week with thousands of new students and tons of activities, like Monday’s first-ever Day of Convocation for 6,250 new undergrads and Wednesday’s 49,000 Water Balloon Fight!

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Welcome Class of 2019!

UNC Charlotte welcomes 3,450 freshmen this weekend plus and 2,800 transfers – the most transfers of any of the state’s 17 colleges and universities. The new arrivals will take UNC Charlotte’s total enrollment over 28,000 for the first time.

New students settled into campus and off campus-housing last weekend and filled nearby supermarkets and stores to stock up. On Many, the new arrivals took part in the first-ever Day One, or Day of Convocation.

Their first official day of the fall semester began with students visiting their respective colleges for a welcome from their dean, heading to Halton Arena for greetings from Chancellor Phil Dubois and then spending the afternoon learning more about their colleges and fellow students.

“Our goal is for our students to better understand what it means to become a member of the body of scholars that comprises UNC Charlotte,” explained Convocation co-coordinator Cathy Blat, director of the University Center for Academic Excellence. “UNC Charlotte is unique, and we want our incoming students to be aware of our values and what differentiates us from other institutions.”

Time for fun and connecting
Of course you can’t come back to school without some fun, too, and students have already had plenty to choose from, thanks to the Week of Welcome.

Dozens of events are taking place daily (and nightly, of course), ranging from RecFest at the Northeast Recreational Field Complex to “Let It Grow!” at McMillan Greenhouse.

49er New Year on Sunday evening provided the official kick-off celebration with games, dinner and more, including a free concert by Hip Hop artist Asher Roth. Google his biggest hit, “I Love College,” to get in the spirit.

Get wild and wet on Wednesday evening at the 49,000 Water Balloon Fight. Organizers promise “an incredible evening of water slides and water balloons!”

Area businesses are also celebrating the return of the students. Boardwalk Billy’s, lakeside at University Place, is holding a Back To School Party on Thursday evening.

Action for alumni and sports fans, too

Athletic competition has also returned to campus. Upcoming home games include:
Charlotte Invitational Volleyball tournament at UNC Charlotte’s Halton Arena. The 49ers play Davidson at 7 pm Friday, USC Upstate at noon Saturday and UNC Asheville at 7 Saturday.
49ers women’s soccer hosts George Southern at 2 pm Sunday.

49ers football will take take on Presbyterian College at noon Sept. 12 in Jerry Richardson Stadium.

• Get all 49ers sports details and tickets at Charlotte49ers.com