Last Friday, I had the privilege of watching, and occasionally helping, freshmen move into the brand new West Hall. Seven years ago, I was a nervous and excited UALR freshman myself. However, I never lived on campus and my one-bedroom apartment certainly didn’t look as nice as this.

The excitement of moving into a new place was evident, and it was so much fun to see the students bring in their belongings with the help of their families.

I managed to squeeze into the elevator with the Mullenix family as they moved daughter Elyssa up to her fifth-floor room. Elyssa is a member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps and plans to major in pre-med. With the help of her parents and grandparents, Elyssa moved her numerous boxes and bags into her new home-away-from-home. Elyssa said she’s excited to live on campus and start her classes.

 I have a feeling her mom and dad are a little sad to see her leave home, though.

A few floors down, I met roommates Andra Onecic and Britiany Floyd, both graduates of Bryant High School. Britiany said moving into the residence hall was a “new beginning” and is eager to start the Applied Design program. They were both so happy to set up their new rooms and were even happier to have help from their whole family.

And I have to say, they might win the award for most color coordinated room!

Even though it can be stressful and scary to start college and move away from home, Andra and Britiany were confident the experience will be a great one. It helps that they already love their roommate.

Good luck to Elyssa, Andra, Britiany and all the other new students as they start their college career.