Carrying boxes and hauling suitcases, University of Delaware freshmen descended on Newark on Friday, the first day dorms opened for the fall semester.
UD plans to welcome approximately 4,200 first-year students Friday and Saturday, with upperclassmen moving in Sunday. Freshman orientation is planned for Monday, followed by the annual twilight induction ceremony at Memorial Hall. Classes begin Tuesday.
“It feels like a new beginning,” said Nicole Long, assistant vice president for student experience and belonging, who was one of several administrators greeting the students as they arrived. “It's a new beginning for so many students who are leaving their families for the first time. But it's also a time where we're bringing new Blue Hens into the fold, so that's exciting.”
Alanna McGuire, a freshman history education major from Long Island, N.Y., spent Friday morning moving into her dorm room in the South Academy Residence Hall with help from her parents and other family members.
“I'm excited, a little nervous, a little bit of everything,” McGuire said, adding that she is looking forward to exploring the clubs and sororities offered on campus.
She was able to connect with her roommate through Instagram over the summer, and they coordinated decorations for their dorm room.
“We agreed on a theme,” she said. “We have white comforters and then everything else is different shades of blue.”
A few days earlier, McGuire's twin sister moved in at Penn State.
“It's overwhelming,” dad Tom said, describing the feeling of seeing his two daughters go off to college.
Still, he's excited for them to experience a new phase in their lives.
“Just being on your own and the freedom to do anything,” he said. “I went through it, and I hope she experiences what I got to experience.”
Assisting the freshmen moving in were dozens of upperclassmen volunteers, plus resident assistants employed by the university.
“We're trying to make it an easier transition,” said Andrew Sprouse, an RA and university junior from San Diego. “I know being from California, this was a hard day for me. So if there's a little bit of positive energy, it shows them it's going be OK.”
Caity Kapner, an RA and university senior from southern Delaware, advises new students to soak it all in and enjoy the moment.
“Just have fun,” Kapner said. “It's their first year. They should be having the time of their lives.”
Sprouse agreed.
“The more people you meet, the more at home it begins to feel,” he said.
Most Popular
Comments / 0