CENTER – Saturday was move-in day at the Moore College of Art and Design in Philadelphia, and among the new freshmen are dozens of former students of the University of the Arts.

“Of course, like everyone in Philadelphia, we were very sad and heartbroken to see the University of the Arts close,” said Cathy Young, president of the Moore College of Art and Design. “Our community was very excited to welcome these students.”

According to Moore College, there are currently 115 UArts students in this new semester.

“As disappointing as it was that I wasn’t going to UArts, I’m very happy that I found another school quickly and the transition here was easy for me,” said photography student Jennifer Cressman. “I think it’s nice that a group of UArts students are coming here so they at least have people to lean on.”

UArts closed suddenly on June 7, citing financial instability. Students, faculty and staff were given only days’ notice. Protests and even a lawsuit followed, but hundreds of students were left to figure out a new plan for their education.

“It was scary. It was like I was finally getting back on my feet, getting ready to go back to school, and then I wasn’t going to school anymore,” said Audrey Rabuck, animation and game arts student. “(Moore was) one of the first to reach out, and they were the first to offer tours like this for UArts students. I went on one of them and was amazed at the community, how close-knit everyone was.”

President Young said that Moore University currently has 561 students enrolled, which is 35 percent more than last year. She emphasized that Moore University is intentionally small and prides itself on giving students individual attention.

“I hope they feel connected to the faculty, feel connected to the other students, I hope they are excited to be part of the Moore community and to be welcomed into the alumni community when they graduate,” Young said.

The first day of school in Moore is August 22nd.