It started as a trickle early in the week. Then a steady stream. On Thursday the flow of cars, SUVs, minvans, and even a few RVs would turn into a torrent as students and their families descended upon the NIU campus for Move In Day.
NIU President John Peters assists new students and their families during Move In Day on August 19.
NIU President John Peters was among the hundreds of university, community, and student volunteers who helped the new students and their families move golf cart-size loads of personal items into on-campus residence halls.
“This is nothing like it was when I first came to Northern 30 years ago,” exclaimed NIU alumnus Jim Trompeter of Wilmette whose step-daughter Ashley is an incoming freshman. ” I came with my dad to Gilbert Hall on the other side of campus, and unloaded a couple of bags from the trunk of the car. Then he left, and I was on my own.”
NIU student volunteers help a new student carry items into Douglas Hall
Students on Thursday came to campus packed with all the comforts of home. Laptop computers, flat screen TVs, and what seemed like entire wardrobes were quickly and efficiently loaded onto golf carts and whisked away to nearby residence halls. “I am so excited to be here,” said Ashley Trompeter. “I chose NIU because they have a great nursing program. I can’t wait to get started!”
NIU Student Affairs and Enrollment Management officials estimate that close to 3,500 students will move into on-campus housing by Sunday evening. A wide variety of events welcoming students back to campus are scheduled throughout the weekend.
However, some students say they can’t wait until Monday. August 23 is the first day of classes for the Fall 2010 semester.
“Summer is fun, but there’s nothing like college,” explains junior business administration major Gina Reggi. “It’s a big community of people that are 18 to 22. It’s so fun . . . I love it!”
