DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) -- First-year Duke University students moved into their dormitories on the Durham campus Saturday for the Fall 2025 semester, as ongoing faculty and staff layoffs have some concerned about university operations keeping up with the needs of returning and incoming students.

“Pop that trunk! Pop that trunk!” upper-class students chanted on Saturday.

The returning Duke students rallied the freshmen as they unloaded their cars and moving vans, then checked in to their residence halls.

“You can kind of feel the energy on campus. All the students are excited and just really blessed that I’m able to come and study here," said Duke freshman Gabriella Phillips.

This new class of 1,750 first-year students represents 49 U.S. States and 55 other countries.

About 17 percent of t

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