The return of students has once again brought The University of New Mexico campus back to life, with new faces and aspirations filling the dorms, libraries and classrooms. The UNM Class of 2027 is the largest first-year class in school history, with 3,636 new first-year students who have officially joined the Lobo pack. The new students bring with them a diverse body of experiences, with 71 percent coming from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Hispanic students make up 54 percent of the class.
The Class has come to campus from across the country and around the world, with first-year students from 44 states and 24 other countries. Some students plan to pursue STEM coursework to eventually work as doctors or engineers. Others hope to bring their own new spin to the creative worlds of film and literature.
As many of this year’s first-year students are digital natives, the University Social Media team decided to feature some of the students who announced their college decision on Instagram. Take a moment to welcome members of the Class of #UNM27.
Students featured in this story were selected on social media by using #UNM27, #FoundMyPack and other university-affiliated hashtags.
Brayden Jaramillo
Where are you from?
Albuquerque, NM.
What do you plan to major in?
Film and Digital Arts.
What are you looking forward to most at UNM?
Making new connections with people who share my same passions and getting to expand my knowledge and skillset within those passions.
What emoji would you use to show how you feel about starting the college journey?🧃
Sierra Sweetman
Where are you from?
Albuquerque, NM.
What do you plan to major in?
Pursuing the combined BA/MD program at UNM to eventually become a doctor.
What are you looking forward to most at UNM?
I am looking forward to making new friends and getting involved in student activities!
What emoji would you use to show how you feel about starting the college journey? 🤩
Sydney Lopez Martinez
Where are you from?
My hometown is Houston, Texas!
What do you plan to major in?
I’m a nursing major.
Why did you choose UNM?
I chose UNM because of their nursing program and most of my extended family lives in Albuquerque so I’m familiar with the city.
What are you looking forward to most at UNM?
I am most excited for the weather in New Mexico and the student culture here at UNM.
What emoji would you use to show how you feel about starting the college journey?
😀
Magdalene Lowrance
Where are you from?
Springfield, Missouri.
What do you plan to major in?
My major is Film and Digital Arts with a focus in Film Production.
Why did you choose UNM?
I chose UNM because the school felt right to me when I came to visit. Everyone was so cheerful and had so much school pride even if they hadn’t even gone there. The whole place just felt really welcoming.
What are you looking forward to most at UNM?
I’m looking forward to all of the opportunities that college has to offer off and on campus!
What emoji would you use to show how you feel about starting the college journey?
🙉
Darrian Smith
Where are you from?
Albuquerque, NM.
What do you plan to major in?
Journalism with a minor in American Sign Language.
What inspires you and keeps you going?
The idea that someone’s gonna make a documentary about me one day.
What are you looking forward to most at UNM?
I’m excited about experiencing campus life and exploring being a college student.
What emoji would you use to show how you feel about starting the college journey?
👹
Sudais Ball
Where are you from?
Albuquerque, NM.
What do you plan to major in?
Engineering and Business.
What are you looking forward to most at UNM?
Continuing my academic future.
What's your favorite emoji at the moment?
🐐
Follow The University of New Mexico on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok. Learn more about this year's enrollment numbers.