Southeast Missouri State University's campus came back to life last Thursday as incoming freshman unpacked box after box, settling into their new home away from home.
Family, friends and returning Southeast student volunteers helped with the unloading while calming any inevitable nerves the new Redhawks had.
But Towers South resident assistant Jack O'Keefe said excitement seemed to trump nervousness.
"Some seemed a little nervous, but I think, overall, they're really buying into the 'Will to Do' attitude we're trying to promote this year," O'Keefe said. "I see a lot of them that seem really ambitious and [who are] looking forward to making a new difference here at Southeast."
It's a bittersweet beginning. Parents must say goodbye to an eager 18-year-old staring in the face of freedom and independence.
Freshman Darin Campbell moved into Vandiver Hall and said he was going in blind meeting his roommate for the first time on Move In Day and said it added to the anticipation built up over the three months of summer. He was ready to show his interest in Greek Life and find which fraternity will be the right fit for him.
Lauran Belling, a resident assistant in LaFerla Hall, said she's seen the same communal behavior and enthusiasm from other incoming students.
"I just noticed immediately that they were so welcoming, and all my freshman came to all the returners and it was just like they had been here already for a couple years," Belling said. "They had no problem moving in, and I thought that was really cool that Southeast students are not worried about making friends and all that. It was just an instant thing."
Greenville, Illinois, native Rebecca Sponsler's environment more than doubled by coming to Southeast.
"I'm from a very small town, like 5,000 people, so coming here is a very big change, very exciting," Sponsler, who moved into Towers East, said.
Freshmen highlighted jitters related to learning the layout of the campus and a daunting demand of a full class load.
"I have three chem[istry] classes, and I'm hoping that it won't overload me too much," LaFerla Hall resident Kia Jefferson said.
As RAs, O'Keefe and Belling created floor themes to help with the transition as well.
O'Keefe created a United States road trip door-to-door, evoking a feeling of adventure.
Belling, on the other hand, designed a beach, a more relaxing atmosphere once finals roll around.
"The floor theme is just to make it easier for people to build community," Belling said. "I just did this simple idea of this beach theme to keep people in that happy, summer feeling. ... They're coming in for school, but it's like they can still be light-hearted and have fun."
Following residence hall move in students had the opportunity to attend the Move In Bash, Ice Cream Social, Student Involvement Fair and Welcome Back Picnic before classes began Monday.
