About 1,500 students moved into residence halls at the University of San Diego in Linda Vista Saturday, as they prepare for classes to begin Tuesday to start the 2026-27 academic year. USD officials say the students who moved in Saturday are part of the more than 3,000 first-year, transfer and gr aduate students who are joining the university community this fall. The incoming first-year class stands out as one of the most accomplished and well-rounded in USD’s history, university officials say, with an average weighted Grade Point Average of 3.98. In addition, 22% are the first in their family to attend college, 43% identify as Catholic, and there are 16 different faith traditions represented. The first-year class comes from 43 states, 16 countries and three U.S. territories or military bases, according to officials. “The start of the school year is such a joyous and exciting time. It marks the very beginning of our students’ experiences here at the University of San Diego. Last week, the Princeton Review ranked our university not only the most beautiful campus in the nation but, more importantly, we were ranked number one for quality of life and number two for happiest students, and that’s not by accident,” USD President James Harris III said in a statement. “Our faculty, staff, and students are committed to community engagement, and we extend this bold mission into the world. Each new class brings fresh perspectives and ideas that strengthen our community and move us closer to fulfilling our mission to create a more inclusive, sustainable and hopeful world,” he added. Harris pointed out that an example of the students’ change-making spirit is their sustainability efforts, reflected in a successful student-led initiative continuing this fall. “EcoShop is a program USD students developed after researching campus waste and donation needs. The initiative allows students to donate or recycle items from their dorm rooms, including lamps, mini-fridges, clothing and school supplies during the spring move-out period,” Harris said. “The items are placed into storage and made available at no cost to students during move-in weekend. It is a valuable opportunity for students to furnish their rooms sustainably and affordably while supporting USD’s commitment to zero waste.” Undergraduate and graduate classes begin on Tuesday. The School of Law began classes on Aug. 17. ...read more read less