Move-in day: a whirlwind of boxes and new faces

By Kristina Chiapella

Saturday morning at 8:30 a.m., Market Street outside of Swig Residence Hall was already packed with cars, as the first group of students made their appearance on campus for move-in. The bright blue of Welcome Weekend volunteer T-shirts dotted the campus, and the chilly morning air went unnoticed as boxes were lugged to various locations across campus.

Santa Clara's largest freshmAn class in history has traveled here from more than 40 states and over three dozen countries. Excitement was in the air as they came together for the first time.

In the course of a chaotic morning, acquaintances were made and friendships forged throughout dorm hallways filled with suitcases. In a Graham Residence Hall, a pair of giddy roommates could be overheard brainstorming how to arrange the furniture in their room.

Each residence hall's Community Facilitators gathered together to meet the newcomers. The energy was contagious as they checked off each new arrival and directed them towards the rooms that will become home for the next nine months. Boxes and bags spilled into the hallways as students navigated their way through the buildings exchanging smiles and greetings.

Some left their parents to the job of interior decorating as they socialized in small groups in the common rooms and courtyards, while others seemed overwhelmed by the flurry of activity and focused on getting settled as they scoped out the new and exciting college scene that awaited them.

Some parents separated from their children as they explored the campus, while others seemed glued to their offspring as they felt their time together drawing to a close. Many activities awaited Santa Clara's largest freshmen class and their families, providing a fun and vital period to both become familiar with the school and assure anxious parents that their children will be in capable hands.

"Welcome Weekend is a good opportunity for them to get familiar with all of the resources that Santa Clara has to offer," said Bridget Bush, a sophomore orientation leader. "It's a great way to meet people with all of the events that are going on, and there's tons of free food. There's something for everyone."

In the afternoon on St. Ignatius Lawn, hundreds of new faces converged to hear a welcoming speech by University President Paul Locatelli, SJ.

Every seat was filled and dozens of people were left standing as the club Intandesh performed an energetic Indian dance number and Associated Student President Jenny Moody introduced Locatelli.

Santa Clara's president had inspiring words for the young adults about their impending college experience. "It's a new phase, a new journey for you," Locatelli said. "You have many talents and many gifts ... now you will take responsibility for your own lives."

In the coming weeks, all students will be put to the test as they begin to juggle new friends, classes and the intoxicating independence of college life.

Welcome Weekend gave freshmen one last chance to breathe before they dove headfirst into the college experience.

Contact Kristina Chiapella at (408) 551-1918 or kchiapella@scu.edu.