On Tuesday, August 26, first-year students from across the country arrived on campus with their families to move into Freshman and Cougar Hall, some of Kean's busiest residence halls.
From 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., student leaders from all around campus participated in the transition from high school student to university campus resident. They welcomed the Class of '29 with open arms by guiding students to check in, helping them navigate campus, and assisting them in pushing move-in bins and transporting their belongings into their dorm rooms.
Andrew David, a sophomore Exercise Science major from Union who volunteered to help students move into Cougar Hall, shared some positive energy and advice.
"It's a nice day, and there's a lot of excitement going around," He said. "I hope they get all they can from living on campus. I personally don't dorm, but I still feel and experience the kindness and joy that goes through campus, so just seize the moment, get to know people, and really just make it a home."
Many students shared that the campus environment already feels like a second home. As they got to know their residence halls along with the rest of the campus, opportunities for growth and connection seemed easy to find. With communal spaces like kitchens, game rooms, and theater rooms inside their dorm halls, and basketball courts, dining halls, and other lounge areas, students found countless ways to relax, socialize, and build community.
New student, Damariz Gallardo, an Interior Design major from Queens, NY, talked a bit about her experience moving onto campus.
“It feels really relieving. I mean, I think the campus itself is really like a whole city--a whole other world, you know,” she said. "I feel a sense of independence I never felt before."
For many, move-in day marked their very first time living away from home.
Nathaniel Hughes, a Communications major with a focus on Media and Film from Lyndhurst, NJ, spoke about how scary and unusual the experience felt.
"I've never been great at connecting with people, and I'm not incredible at conversations, but I got to learn and get those skills up, " he expressed. "And then [moving onto campus], it's strange... I've been at my house my whole life. I've been to hotels, but nothing like this."
Nerves aside, dorm life had many students excited as they expressed themselves through decorating their rooms and formed relationships with their roommates for the next couple of months. For these new kids on campus, move-in day is a step into a new chapter of their lives on their journey to adulthood.
Computer Science major, Elijah Romero, from Bayonne, shared his hopes for the school year as he enters this next era.
“I’m really looking forward to making new friends, new connections, possibly joining new clubs, and just having overall an amazing time,” Romero said.
Move-In day presented the great energy the Class of '29 will bring to Kean and what the Kean community can give back in return, as the process allowed for a great first impression for all involved. As students explore their newfound independence, they say a small 'see you later' to their families and a big 'hello' to campus life!
