Incoming freshmen and their families arrived at Elon Friday, Aug. 22, unloading cars and arranging rooms as the class of 2007 moved into residence halls across campus. Details from move-in day...
Elon’s 1,220 freshmen and their families got an early start Friday morning, along with members of the Residence Life office, faculty and staff, moving all the comforts and necessities of life into residence hall rooms. Sorting out the location of lofts, mini-refrigerators and computers, just to name a few key items, was at the top of the list for most students.
Freshman Bailey Hannapel of Overland Park, Kan., said she had a good first impression of Elon because of the move-in process. “Everyone seems really nice and helpful and asks you if you need any help, and the campus is gorgeous.”
For Jessica Vandermer, a freshman from Pittsburgh, one forgotten item was quickly taken care of with a trip to Wal-Mart. “The only thing we forgot was the pillow,” said her father, Dave Vandermer, who also battled a quirky engine on the rental van he and his daughter drove from Pennsylvania. “But other than those things, everything has gone smoothly, and the staff here has been superb in coordinating the move.”
Many families brought two vehicles for the move, including freshman Stephanie Beard of Crofton, Md. While Stephanie checked into her room in West residence hall, her mother, Rhonda, displayed some of Stephanie’s belongings in the parking lot. “There’s everything you could think of here,” said Rhonda Beard, “and maybe even some things that you couldn’t.” Stephanie’s packing for college was aided by high school graduation gifts that included plastic storage boxes filled with many of life’s necessities, such as bath towels, soap and LifeSavers.
Justin Probst of Dublin, Ohio, had the help of his parents, David and Cindy, while he arranged things in his Smith residence hall room. Cindy Probst said she received a college survival letter from a friend, detailing all the items the family should pack for the trip to North Carolina. Meanwhile, David Probst marveled at the difference between what he took to college and what his son brought to Elon. “It’s completely different. Someone might have brought a TV to school back then, but now it’s DVDs, video games and cell phones,” David Probst said.
For the majority of freshmen, this weekend marks their first time living away from home. Dave Vandermer acknowledged that saying goodbye to his daughter on Saturday would be difficult, but that he takes comfort in the fact she’s excited about coming to Elon. “She’s my only child, so for the last 18 years, she’s been the center of my life. So it’ll be tough for me, but if she’s happy, then that’ll make it easier.”
Nan Russell, Bailey Hannapel’s mother, said Elon’s attention to detail and open lines of communication have been reassuring. “As parents, we have a whole different perspective on college,” said Russell. “The kids want to go where they will thrive and excel, and I want to know that she’s going to be taken care of. She’s ready to go and we feel very good about her being here.”
