Students say hello to new homes in dorms

As she stood among her son’s things piled outside Wright Quad, Kathleen Boles said she was filled with excitement and sadness after she dropped her first child off at college.

“It’s exciting,” she said. “But I am a little overwhelmed with emotion.”

Boles was one of several parents who said their goodbyes Wednesday during the insanity of move-in day. Although some first-time movers were still rushing around, Boles said her family was prepared thanks to the move-in guide on the Residential Programs and Services Web site.

Freshman Brian Boles said moving in was not as hectic as he thought it would be, although he said he sweated more than planned.

Freshman Jim Bradke had similar feelings about moving in.

“Moving in went smoother than I imagined, although we did arrive early,” he said.

Though many were moving in for the first time, the streets were also filled with parents like Debbie March, from Indianapolis, who had an older son she had previously helped move into the residence halls. They knew to bring their own dolly, she said.

“I feel the freshman orientation and first-year experience was planned better than in years past,” March said.

March said she was surprised when IU First Lady Laurie Burns McRobbie walked by and introduced herself.

For those who arrived early in the day, things seemed to speed along. Those who came later, however, experienced a different ending.

Freshman Sarah Mustain said she was confused about where to park and where to go as she and her family drove around in their U-Haul.

“It’s crazy, but still fun,” she said.

Freshman Emily Harris said the afternoon heat made moving difficult.

Because it was their first time living on a college campus, some freshmen expressed their excitement and worries about their new lives.

Mustain, from Munster, Ind., said she was excited to meet new people.

On the down side, she has never had a roommate, so it might be a challenge, she said.

Bradke said he was looking forward to living in the residence halls and had no worries about adjusting to residence hall life because he had gone to a boarding school.

Part of adjusting to college life is living in a building full of people, he said.

Harris said she was excited about living in a residence hall, although she wishes her dorm room was a little bigger.

Still, Harris said starting college is a new beginning.

“I’m starting over,” Harris said. “It’s like a whole different life.”