University of Alberta move-in day a roller coaster of emotions for class of 2029

Monday was move-in day for first year students at the University of Alberta ahead of the start of the fall semester.

Although the fall semester doesn’t start for a few more days, the University of Alberta campus was abuzz Monday due to first-year students moving into school residences.

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The new students expressed both nerves and excitement.

“I felt more nervous until I got here, but now that I moved in, it’s all good,” said Sebastien Beaudoin from Houston, Texas.

“This is a completely different experience for me, and they have a really good system set up to get everybody moving through. And the dorms are nice. So I’m really excited for everything.”

“I’m pretty nervous. I think I’m gonna puke,” said another student, Emma Lecompte from the small town of Creston, B.C.

She and her family drove overnight to make it to Edmonton on Monday, when the university organizes volunteers and student services to welcome newcomers.

“It’s just a big change. And literally my entire life is changing. Not a single thing is staying the same,” Lecompte told CTV News Edmonton.

But Geoff Rhode, residence director, said the university is nervous on move-in day, too, because it’s important to make a good impression on the students and their families.

“It’s the first time on campus… So we want to make the day as special as we possibly can for them, and give them a great welcome to the U of A.”

About 2,200 students will move in on Monday. Altogether, the university houses about 4,000 once later-year students move in later in the week.

Among the university groups present on Monday were the University of Alberta Students Union, community radio station CJSR, and University of Alberta Protective Services.

“I’m just trying to figure out how to get my keys and then there’s, like, 18 steps before even thinking about all the amazing other amenities they have,” Lecompte said.

Another first-year student, Fae Clarket from Vancouver Island, found the atmosphere fun.

“It’s great so far. There’s been a lot of people helping. Even people in the elevator helping you go onto your floor. Definitely cool.”

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Brandon Lynch