Even the 102-degree heat could not slow the incoming Fresno State residents as they moved into University Courtyard, Fresno State’s on-campus housing.
The Fresno State Housing Department on Aug. 18 welcomed 900 students to their new homes at Fresno State for the 2016-2017 academic year. The Collegian dropped by to talk with students, their family members and housing advisers to gain perspective on move-in day activities and the accompanying emotions.
“Today has been such an exciting day,” said Erin Boele, director of student housing. Our families and students have been excited, a little anxious. But for the most part, they have settled in and are meeting their new friends.”
Boele said her housing team this year, including new and returning housing team members, is “amazing” and “rocked it today by getting all their new students in.”
Once activities commenced, families were kindly asked to say their goodbyes, allowing the students to mingle.
Boele advised incoming residents to “bring something personal from home, like family photos and pictures; but then also be open for new experiences because you are going to meet so many new people, and you are going to have the opportunity to be a part of so many different activities on campus. Get engaged, and your stay at Fresno State is going to be amazing.”
Residential adviser, sophomore Wesley Mohler said his biggest responsibility is to assist the students.
“That can be anything from minor counseling to roommate conflicts.” said Mohler. This is Mohler’s first year as a RA. “I am very excited, especially today. We have been training for four weeks now, and it’s been non-stop 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day, and it’s great to finally see everyone come together and move in and see everything in action.”
Students were accompanied by their families and friends to make the transition from home to on-campus residence as smooth as possible. Freshman Jack McBride, majoring in history said, “I’m pretty far from home, like 3 1/2 hours away. I’m not very nervous; I fit well here.”
McBride said he looks forward to meeting new friends by joining clubs and being social. McBride’s mother, Jennifer, says she is “very sad” about her first-born son moving away from home but knows he was raised to eventually move out and attend college.
Sophomore Marissa Lilie who is studying business, and freshman Kaylah Appelhanz, who is studying pre-nursing, are first-time roommates. Lilie’s advice for Appelhanz is “be social even if you are not a social person. Just try because no one is going to think you are weird for trying to make friends in a new place. Open up to people, and you will get the help you need.”
What is incoming freshman Kade Piazza looking forward to most?
“Freedom” said Piazza, who is a business marketing major.
“Everyone is happy to be here,” Piazza said. He decided to attend Fresno State because he enjoys the sports and location. He said he feels he is ready to be away from home, and his mother agrees. Until Piazza’s father said jokingly, “She’s been a blubbering idiot; she’s lying.”
In Baker Hall, returning resident roommates sophomores Jacob Kelch and Aaron Coelho, said the best part of living on campus is being able to roll out of bed a few minutes before class begins and make it on time for class. Kelch mentions living on campus means you don’t have to “fight for parking.” Coelho’s advice for freshmen is: “Don’t be shy. Go talk to everyone. Go make friends.”
Kelch and Coelo are on Fresno State’s chess team, and both encourage students to get involved any way possible.
Not only were there information and check-in booths for students to utilize, but Bed Bath and Beyond was there to help students with room necessities they may have forgotten.
Dennis Freundt, who has been with the company for 10 years, said, “Obviously, Fresno State is huge in the community and we wanted to be a part of it. The last couple years, you guys have let us bring the shopping carts, which people love to take the merchandise to and from their cars. It has really been helpful.”
Freundt said they brought last-second items that are usually forgotten such as extra pillows and mattress enhancers. A portion of the proceeds is given to Fresno State.
After most students were moved in, they attended the opening-day barbeque, provided by Fresno State Dining Services, with their friends and family to celebrate their collegiate milestone.
While attending the opening day barbecue, the Maldonado family said they could not be more proud of their daughter, freshman Gizelle Maldonado. She is a first-generation college student, studying animal science. Maldonado said she is nervous but also excited to be leaving home to get the full college experience.
Her mother said she feels sad having her daughter leave home but that “she won’t be far away.” Her father said he is excited and “super proud” because she is their first born “setting a really good example for her sisters.”
Dr. Janell Morillo, the assistant vice president of student affairs administration, addressed the students and their families about on-campus health services available to students such as medical services and counseling which are available year round.
Lt. Jennifer Curwick, from the Fresno State Police Department, welcomed students by saying: “You all have made a great decision to attend Fresno State, and I’m not just saying that. I have worked here for over 25 years and this honestly, I can say is probably the most diverse, accepting and inclusive university in the world. And I am not overexaggerating.”
Curwick assured students there are multiple patrolling officers on campus at once to maintain campus safety. The campus escort service is available to students who are concerned about their safety while walking any distance on campus such as getting back to your residence hall or parked car.
“This is not if you are late for class and you need a ride,” Curwick said jokingly.
Move-in day was filled with advice, information and resources to help guide new and returning residents.
Monday is the start of Fresno State’s fall semester.