By Brianna Wallen
Editor-in-Chief
By Valentina Toro
Managing Editor
For many first-year students, move-in day brought more than boxes and new dorm rooms — it marked the beginning of independence and a new chapter at the university.
Students and families arrived across campus to settle into residence halls for the fall semester.
“I would say move-in Day at Hickerson was definitely a full-on experience with the families and the students as well,” Hickerson Hall director
Kimoya Bowman, said. “Overall, Move-In Day was exciting. It was enjoyable. It was emotional and it was also very structured.”
At Hickerson Hall, about 142 students moved in on Move-In Day, with more arriving throughout the following week. By Aug. 29, the hall housed about 150 students.
Volunteers from across campus helped make the transition easier for students and their families.
Student-athletes and facilities staff assisted with carrying belongings, navigating the building and getting students into their rooms.
Psychology major Mariah Hartshorn, a sophomore who volunteered at Chase Hall, said helping first-year students gave her the opportunity to ease some of the uncertainty that comes with arriving on campus.
“It’s nice to see everyone come in and help to ease some nerves that the freshmen have,” Hartshorn said.
Sociology major Zion Dowie, a sophomore, also volunteered at Chase Hall alongside Suzanne and a dog with Guiding Eyes for the Blind. Dowie said students interacted with Suzanne throughout the day, giving them a moment to relax during the moving process.
“My favorite part was seeing the community gather,” Dowie said. “I like how everyone is working together to move residents in.”
For business administration major Laziya-Isa Trowell, a freshman, moving onto campus was a family experience. Her parents, aunt and two younger sisters joined her as she settled into her residence hall. Once she settled, she began looking ahead to becoming involved in campus life.
“I’m excited to join clubs and be a part of the events on campus,” Trowell said.
Preparation for Move-In Day began before families arrived. Resident advisers and residence life assistants spent time during training, decorating floors, creating door decorations and preparing common areas to welcome their new residents.
Hickerson’s main lobby was decorated with a Pokémon theme this semester, while individual floors featured their own themes, like Dragon Ball Z and Kim Possible.
The transition also brought emotional moments for families. At Hickerson Hall, families were able to write letters to their students that will be secretly delivered later in the semester.
Bowman said the activity gave families a chance to leave something behind as their students began living away from home.
For some students, the day represented their first time living independently. Bowman said the experience can bring curiosity, confidence and excitement, but students can also feel overwhelmed as they adjust to new people, responsibilities and surroundings.
Resident advisers were among the first people students met as they entered their new campus homes.
Psychology major Jerome Lowery, a junior and Neff Hall resident adviser, said reassuring families was an important part of the day, especially for parents leaving their students at college for the first time.
For Lowery, Move-In Day was not only about getting students into their rooms but also beginning relationships that will continue throughout the semester.
“I’m excited to build a bond with my residents,” Lowery said. “I’m ready to make connections with my residents and help them feel welcomed here at Southern, and I feel like Move-In Day was the first step in doing that.”
