For sophomore orientation leader Aleezah Adams, move-in day on Aug. 20, 2021 has been full of meeting incoming students and guiding their families through moving in and finding their dorm buildings.
Students and families arriving in the Global Neighborhood for move-in day were greeted on Friday by orientation leaders like Adams, resident assistants and older students eager to assist them with getting settled into their new dorms.
“I’m most excited to see their expressions as they start to move in and embark on this new journey that is college,” Adams said.
While the morning brought an abundance of activity to the neighborhood, new students moved in during their assigned times this year in accordance with guidelines set by Healthy Elon.
Students were also required by the university to wear masks in indoor spaces while moving in.
Freshman Klaire Kovar arrived with her family to the Global Neighborhood around 8:30 a.m. She said she traveled from Utah to Elon, and although she is far from home, she is excited to meet other new students.
“I’m excited to meet everyone and just get settled in,” Kovar said. “I think it’s been a long time coming, so it’s good we are here.”
Freshman Solomon Height, a player for the Elon football team, said he is excited to have fun with fellow students on campus this fall and is anticipating team wins during the upcoming football season.
“We’ve been in a whole lot of training,” Height said. “I’m looking forward to the season, we are going to be real good.”
While students are adjusting to being in a new environment, parents remain assured that the university is taking necessary steps to ensure move-in day occurs smoothly and their students stay safe and healthy. Vicki Sledge, parent of freshman Grant Sledge, said she continues to be hopeful that Grant will adjust to life at Elon and is looking forward to him meeting other students in a safe manner.
“We’ve been very well informed on everything that’s happening with move-in and orientation and all the different schedules that are out,” Sledge said. “Health wise, as well, we know that Elon’s taking all the steps they need to do to be safe and healthy.”
Students, such as sophomore and football player Harley Wilf, remain hopeful that move-in day will be the start of another successful year despite the pandemic.
“I’m excited to help these freshman move in,” Wilf said. “I know last year with the pandemic we didn’t get this experience and so I hope I can make it just good for them.”