Thousands of UNM students return to campus Monday

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — More than 20,000 students returned back to class Monday at the University of New Mexico.

Some students were greeted with the unwelcoming sight of piles of trash near their dorm rooms.

“There’ll be lots of trash that you can tell has blown around from other places, or even students, or maybe not putting it in the right in the right spots,” said Janna Martinez, a UNM sophomore.

University officials say this isn’t anything out of the ordinary this time of year.

“Students are moving in. They’re going to have boxes and things that they have bought that are packaged and so they would naturally be throwing those out,” said Cinnamon Blair, a UNM spokesperson.

The piles were cleared. While it is unwelcome, it indicates there are more students on campus.

“Right now, we’re looking at an overall about 4.25% increase in enrollment,” Blair said.

Whether they’re returning back to campus or starting their first day of college, more students potentially mean more safety risks.

Blair says APD will be patrolling the area more often, as will UNM Police.

There’s also a new substation near The Pit and the Science and Tech Park.

The LoboGuardian app also makes it easier for students and staff to report incidents. That way, students can go to class worry-free.

“Dorms are full. Now we’ve got a lot of folks here on campus. And it’s just a great way for them to really experience UNM and New Mexico,” Blair said.