Moving out induces mixed emotions

Beginning at spring break time, a nasty little thought enters students' minds -- move out. For freshmen in the dorms that means goodbye and some good riddance to people and things.\nFreshman Trisha Johnson, who will move out today, is concerned about getting herself up and down the stairs.\n"Moving in was really tough, but out will be a little easier I think," Johnson said. "My only worry is how hot it's going to be going up and down stairs with all my stuff."\nMost dorms ask students to clean out their rooms before they leave, including dusting and removing stains.\n"There were some nasty hairballs in my room before I left," said freshman Angela Lagana. "I don't even like to think about behind the fridge. It was disgusting!"\nNot all students have that view of moving out though. On top of finals and moving out themselves, resident assistants must check students out of their rooms. This includes taking the keys from them and assessing damages to the rooms. Though Residential Programs and Services declined to comment on the stress RAs might face during move-out week, it seems they have a lot on their plates. According to the RPS Web site, their responsibilities include, "familiarizing students with, and enforcing University policies and regulations," and "helping residents maintain an environment conducive to learning." During the last few weeks, this could become difficult.\n"It was so loud the last week of school," Johnson said. "It was really hard to study. I think everyone was excited to be done but sad to leave."\nNon-student Allison Brenneman is both eager and sad to leave the dorms. \n"I'm going to miss a lot of my friends, but there are definitely some people I won't miss. It also gave me a good opportunity to throw a lot away."\nAnother worry is getting a year's worth of stuff in a single trip. Many people accumulate a lot more clothes and decorations for their rooms compared to what they brought down in August. \n"I've been packing all day to go home," said freshman Matt Myers. "I've got a lot of stuff but I think I will fit it all in. I definitely have more here now than I did when I moved down here."\nFor many, this is the only year they will ever spend in the dorms. At IU numerous students live in a Greek house, or in off-campus housing.\n"I'm living in an apartment next year," Myers said. "I think it will be a lot nicer there than in the dorms."\nFrom the Greek side, Johnson will be living in her sorority next year. \n"I'm so excited to live with all my friends next year," Johnson said. "I will miss the dorms but I think it will be ok."\nSo with the final move-out day drawing close -- Saturday morning at 10 a.m. close -- students have finals, packing and housing next year to think about all summer. \n"I thought I may be bored this summer," Brenneman said, "but then I realized how much unpacking I have to do. I think I will stay pretty occupied."\n-- Contact staff writer Cecelia Wolford at cwolford@indiana.edu.