Thousands of students move in to URI

By: Chloe Leshner

cleshner@abc6.com

@cleshnerabc6

Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end to summer, meaning its time to head back to school. Thousands of students returned to URI’s campus this past weekend, including one of the largest freshman classes in the school’s history. For those freshmen and their families, move in day can be full of emotions.

It’s a never ending stream of boxes and suitcases in and out of Hillside Hall as University of Rhode Island students settle in to their new homes.

"I like the dorm, that’s what I’m most excited about. I’m mostly nervous about starting classes," says freshman Casey Muckell. Originally from Newtown, she’s about 2 hours from home. The engineering major will definitely have some difficult classes in her future, but for now she’s excited about the room she’ll share with 2 other young women in the University’s newest dorm.

"Usually engineers don’t get to come in here but both of my roommates are nursing so I got kind of lucky with that," says Muckell.

But as the oldest child in her family, the big move is an adjustment for mom and dad.

"I’m really happy for my daughter because I loved college but I’m also really nervous about the separation and everything. I’m more nervous about how she’s going to be but she’s been really great today so I think it will be okay," says her mom Laura.

And while move in day may be emotional for some parents and students, school officials want parents to know they’re confident their kids are going to have 4 great years.

"We’ll take good care of them. We’re delighted that you chose University of Rhode Island and we’ll do everything we can to make their experience exactly what you want for them and we’ll give them the kind of education they need to be successful," says President of the University Dan Dooley.

Dooley says the incoming freshman class is the most academically qualified and diverse in the University’s history.

(C) WLNE/ABC 6 2017