Kicking off a new semester

Start of semester traditions welcome Wildcats back to campus

Kristina Bonner

By Kristina Bonner

K-State Division of Communications and Marketing

Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026

From move-in and K-State Kickoff to late-night activities and New Student Convocation, campus has been full of energy as Wildcats return for a new academic year.

Explore photos capturing the excitement, traditions and connections that make the start of a semester at K-State special.

Moving in

Two students holding up an item in the closet of their dorm room.
Roommates arrange their dorm rooms in the residence halls on move in day. Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing.
A group of families walking across a street while carrying personal items.
Families carry dorm essentials across the street to residence halls on campus. Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing.
A mother and daughter walking up a ramp with dorm items.
A student carries belongings into Haymaker Hall. Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing.

K-State Kickoff

A group of students & staff members pose for a photo in the photo booth.
Orientation leaders and staff members pose for a group photo at the photo booth before the K-State Kickoff. Emily McMillan/Enrollment Marketing and Communications.
A lawn outside of university buildings filled with students and K-State bands.
The K-State Marching Band performs on Anderson Lawn. Jeff Moore/Division of Communications and Marketing.
Students pick up purple shirts.
Students pick up free T-shirts. Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing.

Richard and Sally Linton standing on a stage with students in the foreshadow.
Kansas State University President Richard Linton and First Lady Sally Linton show new students how to do the Wildcat hand sign. Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing.
Kaylee Brungardt twirls alongside the Pride of Wildcat Land marching band during the K-State Kickoff. Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing.
Kaylee twirling a burton while looking over sholder at the K-State band behind her back.

Late Night at the Union

A group of students pose in a neon bowling ally.
Students pose for a photo while bowling during Late Night. Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing.
A group of students walking in a circle with cakes on the table behind them.
Students participate in the Cake Walk. Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing.
A group of students walking in a circle with cakes on the table behind them.
Students pose in the photobooth during Late Night at the Union. Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing.

Three students sitting at a long table outside while decorating flowerpots.
Students decorate flowerpots. Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing.

Convocation

A crowd sitting in seats with cheer team performing on the floor.
Students gather in Bramlage Coliseum for New Student Convocation. Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing.
Caden standing up and fisting bumping K-State's mascot, Willie.
Student Body Vice President Caden Bastian fist bumps Willie the Wildcat after giving a speech. Kristina Bonner/Division of Communications and Marketing.
A large crowd of students stand on a football field.
Members of K-State's class of 2030 gather for a group photo. Amanda Hardy/Division of Communications and Marketing.

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