College move-in day is here, signaling a new start for students at Montana State University and the University of Montana, along with some emotional goodbyes. About three-quarters of students moving into dorms at both universities are new, including UM student, Dora Colin, who arrived on campus without knowing anyone beforehand.
BOZEMAN and MISSOULA, Mont. – College move-in day is here, signaling a new start for students at Montana State University and the University of Montana, along with some emotional goodbyes.
About three-quarters of students moving into dorms at both universities are new, including UM student, Dora Colin, who arrived on campus without knowing anyone beforehand.
“I’m from Burnsville, Minnesota, and I’m going to be a freshman. I’m just here alone. I know my roommate from Instagram, but that’s all I know. I meet her tomorrow,” Dora said.
Accompanied by her family, Dora’s mom, Julie Colin, expressed her mixed emotions.
“Dora’s my first child going to college. I have all the feels. I am super excited for her, I think she’ll have a really good time, but I’m very sad for us,” Julie said.
“Right now I feel really uneasy. But it’s exciting. But I think once I’m settled in, it’ll be fun,” Dora said.
For families, staying connected remains a priority. “Lots of FaceTime, I hope. Lots of text messages. Hoping to get out here a couple times to visit, hoping to get her home for Christmas at least,” Julie said.
MSU and UM both have packed schedules for incoming students.
“Learning where their classrooms are and where the bathrooms are at, but they’re also getting embedded in the communities, through service projects. We partner with organizations like the Paddle Heads, we do trail maintenance,” Dave Kuntz, UM Spokesperson, said.
MSU has also introduced new initiatives this year to support both students and their families.
“We have stations set up in all the residence halls for parents or family members to write a quick note to their student that will deliver about week four. And we know students tend to get homesick. Then you’re back into the routine, and we want parents to have a way to kind of encourage them and continue to support them from a distance,” Korrin Fagenstrom, MSU Student Housing Senior Associate Director, said.
The Bozeman community also shows its support during move-in days.
“Not only the MSU community, including athletics, the administration, the faculty, but we also get community volunteers coming in giving their time to MSU to help make sure that our students feel welcome in Bozeman,” Michael Becker, MSU Spokesperson, said.
With Montana’s newest Bobcats and Grizzlies getting settled, the upcoming school year promises to be memorable.
