New freshmen get a helping hand on move-in day

The UW-Green Bay campus came to life Sept. 1, as members of the newest freshman class moved into their home away from home.

More than 700 new freshmen — aided by parents, siblings and a host of campus volunteers — unpacked cars, hauled boxes and helped students get settled into their residence hall homes.

“It was really nice,” said freshman Molly Christel of Manitowoc, “like, everyone – I didn’t have to lift a box — everyone just picked everything up and brought it right to the room for me. So that was really nice.”

Freshman move-in day marked the start of a record year for UW-Green Bay housing, with more than 2,020 students set to live on campus. It was a busy morning of getting settled — but given the excitement, no one seemed to mind.

“Everyone’s really friendly out there, and they’re just helping me move all my stuff,” said freshman Emily Hausher of Kimberly.

(For a fun photo gallery of the day, click here.)

Assistance from student, faculty and staff volunteers is a hallmark of the UW-Green Bay move-in experience, and fall 2011 was no exception. Students and parents alike said they were surprised — and pleased — at how quickly the process went.

“The help you have here is incredible — I mean it’s very nice,” said parent Dale Christel. “We weren’t expecting this, so it was a pleasant surprise.”

And while move-in day can cause a few jitters for students and families, the on-campus atmosphere was primarily one of excitement. There was advice given — “Study — a lot, was mostly the main one,” Hausher said with a laugh — and eager anticipation about what was in store.

“I’m really looking forward to a whole different experience than high school,” Molly Christel said, “and socializing with everyone and meeting new people.”