University of Maryland students begin moving in as semester starts back up

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. ( DC News Now ) — Thousands of University of Maryland students (UMD) are preparing to return to the classroom next week.

Friday was move-in day for freshmen and students, Chrissy Riley and her roommate Katie Kucner, are excited to be moving into their new housing on campus, ready to begin their new chapter.

“Luckily, we are on the second floor, so we don’t have a big hike, but we do have a lot of stuff for girls, so we have to bring everything with us, and it’s difficult, but we will get it all smoothed out,” Riley said.

As thousands of students move back on campus, it is also a very exciting time for some local businesses in College Park like Ledo Pizza. Manager John Rogers said his sales always dip during the summer but with so many students back on campus, he is hoping business will be better.

“It’s a good thing because it means we will have more traffic and more volume. It’s steadier and busier and the football team is back too and we will be more packed selling more pizzas for football games and to students,” Rogers said. “Deliveries and everything changes and we are ready for increased sales from our student customers.”

Student Katie Kucner said it is beneficial to everyone.

“As much as we are important to them they are important to us because we go there every day and night to eat and not only do we eat on campus but we have so many other choices and opportunities off campus and we rely on these fast food and grocery places,” she said.

Classes get underway on Monday.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.