The Red and Black

For senior Selest Kok, the first day of fall semester began well before most students woke up. As a management information systems and international business major entering her final semester at the University of Georgia, Kok got up around 5:30 a.m. to make it to a 7 a.m. cycling class at the Ramsey Student Center. “I’m not a morning person, but I was like, ‘Well, it’s my last first day,’” Kok said.

Henri’s Bakery & Deli plans to open its seventh location in Athens this fall. Known for its made-to-order breakfast and deli sandwiches, the Atlanta based restaurant will open in Five Points, according to a press release. “Guests can expect the welcoming service and commitment to quality that have defined the Henri’s experience,” said Chief Operating Officer Joel Keller.

To accommodate a growing campus population, more than $133 million has been spent on new additions to the University of Georgia ahead of the fall semester. One major redevelopment project is Building 2266, a first-year residence hall located at the corner of South Lumpkin and West Wray streets. The six-and-a-half-story building houses 565 freshman students this semester. It includes double-occupancy rooms, study lounges and privacy-enhanced community bathrooms.

For many, the day before the start of fall semester classes is a quiet one. It is a time of preparation for the semester ahead and for the rewarding but tiring work that comes with college courses. But for those involved with Greek Life at the University of Georgia, the day was anything but quiet. On Sunday, Aug. 14, university sororities celebrated the end of their recruitment process and the welcoming of their new members with Bid Day.

Following back-to-back seasons in which Georgia won the SEC championship but suffered a first-round playoff exit, The Associated Press once again expressed its faith in the Bulldogs, slotting them in at No. 3 in the 2026 season’s inaugural poll. Georgia has now earned a top five preseason in every season since 2018. This time, after slotting behind Texas at No. 5 in 2025, head coach Kirby Smart’s squad once again enters the season as the highest-ranked SEC team.

The University of Georgia begins the 2026-2027 school year with a line up of events aimed at both new and returning students. With events hosted by the university itself and student organizations, students have ample opportunities to dive-into school spirit. First Day of Class Pictures Commemorate the first day of class by taking a free polaroid photo and capturing new memories.

Graduate goalkeeper Jordan Brown delivered an incredible seven-save performance in her first collegiate appearance since November 2024 as No. 19 Georgia soccer drew Minnesota 1-1 on Sunday, ending its season-opening road trip with two draws from two games following a 0-0 result against Illinois away on Aug. 13. Fifth-year midfielder Sage Glover’s penalty right before halftime gave No. 19 Georgia the lead before Davy Mokelke scored the Golden Gophers’ 62nd-minute equalizer.

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The University of Georgia is welcoming a freshman class of roughly 6,250 for the fall semester, 565 of whom are settling down in UGA’s newest resident hall: Building 2266. Parents and students hauled carts of dorm supplies up the hill from the parking lot to the newly completed building, located at the corner of South Lumpkin and West Streets. In the front courtyard, students tossed a football back and forth in the 95 degree heat.