First-year dormitories came alive Saturday as over 3,000 first-year students, along with parents and siblings, descended upon Charlottesville for Move-In Day.
Most students said the big day went smoothly, and by mid-afternoon, eager first years filled both McCormick Road and Alderman Road residence halls to the brim.
"Everyone seems confident and upbeat," said second-year College student Emily Ackerman, who spent the morning helping first-year students move into Maupin, her former residence.
Ackerman said she felt a momentary pang of nostalgia as she helped move a girl into her old room.
Students displayed mixed emotions throughout the day -- many grew teary-eyed during heartfelt goodbyes to their parents, while other families resigned themselves to videotaping the back of their child's head as he or she disappeared into a dormitory.
Although many first years expressed the universal worries of beginning college, such as a nightmare roommate or getting lost on the way to your first class, most remained confident and sure about their first few days of college life.
"I'm excited to be here," said Grant Cupps, who hails from Missouri.
Cupps' mother, however, had more mixed emotions.
"It's exciting for him, but sad for us," she said.
Indeed, most parents appeared more concerned about the transition than did their children.
"I'm more apprehensive than" my daughter is, said Robin Frazier, who arrived from Roanoke with her daughter Becca. "I won't know where she is or when she gets home."
Sheronica Barcliff, who is from Richmond, could ease her parents' concerns slightly, noting that she'll probably visit home more often during her first few months at the University.
"I'll probably visit more in the beginning" of the year, Barcliff said. "That's the way you shy away from home."
Most students said they were satisfied with their lodgings, although they did note that the rooms, lacking air conditioning except in only a few instances, were a bit hot.
Amid the hustle and bustle of moving in, students also met their resident advisors for the first time.
Second-year College student Aaron Kurman, a resident advisor in Lile, described the new students as "cool and collected," and said he would strive to foster a good relationship with his residents.
"We are agents of the University and the state and we have to enforce the rules, but at the same time I don't think that's why most of us signed on to the job," Kurman said.
Many parents reminisced about their own college days.
"The same furniture is here that was in there 26 years ago," University alumnus David McCarthy said. McCarthy lived in Emmet during his first year at the University, and his son Alex will live nearby in Dabney.
Adding an upperclassmen touch to the day, the Pep Band and the Academical Village People performed in front of both McCormick Road and Alderman Road residence halls. An energetic team of student Greeters helped first-years carry their baggage from the army of minivans and SUVs up to their new dormitory rooms.
Many students and parents said they appreciated the help of Greeters and other upperclassmen around to help students move in.
"It seems like the University's really making an effort to welcome people," said Sam Ennis, who traveled with his parents from Pittsburgh.
Second-year College student Amanda Johnson said she volunteered as a Greeter to add a welcoming face to the University for new students.
"It's nice to see a friendly face," Johnson said.
Patricia Lampkin, associate vice president for student affairs, said the success of the move-in requires the cooperation of many different groups. Lampkin was among the many University officials supervising move-in.
"Every single part of the University is working together," she said.
Michael Love, who comes to the University from Atlanta, echoed the sentiments of many first years beginning their journey on Grounds.
"I don't know really what to expect yet," Love said.
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