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Georgia Gwinnett College (GGC) is brimming with activity as students descend onto campus to start their fall classes.

Suwannee residents and brothers Chandler and Haydn Kane found a spot to relax in the lounge of the Student Center, laptops open.

For Chandler, a junior majoring in biology, part of the allure of GGC is two-fold.

“GGC gave me a second chance to pursue my dream to become a field biologist,” he said. “And it’s the place where I met my fiancé.”

Haydn, a freshman, heard about the biology program and said the decision to come to GGC was easy.

“I heard the biology program here is super amazing,” he said. His brother, Chandler, added that he may have had some influence on that.

Destiny Swinney, a freshman from Atlanta who wants to major in education, spent time between classes at the GGC Bookstore to purchase a GGC sweatshirt and a green backpack, among other things.

“I want to be an elementary school teacher to make a difference in kids’ lives,” she said. “And be a reason they want to come to school.”

Before the start of his first class, Lawrenceville resident Bao Duong sat at one of the tables on the patio next to the library.

“It’s a little overwhelming, but I’m finding my classes,” he laughed. The freshman who is majoring in mathematics hopes to eventually study engineering.

Last Thursday and Friday, nearly 1,000 students packed their bags and moved into the residence halls.

Mara Rockhold faced a triple send-off – her triplet daughters Brooke, Chloe, and Lauren are all starting college together and sharing a room. All three will play on GGC’s softball team.

“It’s been up and down for me today,” Rockhold said. “But I’m glad the girls will be experiencing college together.”

She praised the school’s athletics program and especially Coach Kat Ihlenburg, a key reason her daughters chose GGC.

Sonya and Mark Weaver shared similar sentiments as they helped their daughter Ella move in.

“It’s tough letting go of your little girl,” said Mark.

Ella quickly reminded them of the short distance between home and campus: “Dad, I’m like 20 minutes away.”

View and download 2025 first day photos and video.