Local universities begin welcoming incoming freshmen

ST. LOUIS – Universities are coming back to life as students move onto campus before the start of classes next week.

Saint Louis University and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville were busy as students made the move.

Freshmen at SLU began their next chapter of life Friday morning. According to Director of Housing Operations Lauren Davis, the university expected around 1,400 students to fill the dorms Friday.

Along the way, members of Oriflamme and upperclassmen helped guide.

“Oriflamme goes back, and it’s a symbol of hope or courage,” Aidan McCormac, SLU sophomore, said. “We really help with fall move-in and fall welcome, so the freshmen really feel like they’re part of the SLU community and find their place here.”

In total, SLU is preparing for around 4,000 students to move onto campus. Classes begin Monday for the fall semester.

Across the state border, students were also arriving on campus at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville, along with introductions to faculty and staff. Incoming mass communication freshmen participated in a Q&A session with alumni and professionals, presenting the opportunities in the field.

“This was an opportunity for them to know all the different types of professions they can go to,” Suman Mishra, professor and chair for the Department of Mass Communications, said. “They can find their passion. Ultimately, this is what we want them to do and be successful.”

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