GAINESVILLE — The Women's College at Brenau University was bustling with activity Tuesday morning as first-year students began a new chapter in their lives and moved in to their dorms.
Cars lined Prior Street as girls, their parents and members of Brenau University sports teams carried boxes, suitcases and furniture into Crudup and Van Hoose dormitories.
Katherine Baker and her mother Debbie, unloaded boxes on the sidewalk in front of Crudup Dormitory.
"She's number five of six," said Debbie Baker. "It's been easy so far with all the help that Brenau's been giving us at the curb. We had no idea they were going to be here saying, 'Hey, can I help you?'"
"It's a very welcoming environment and the first time I walked up, everyone was all smiles and everyone's just really sweet," said Katherine Baker about her decision to attend Brenau.
Mary Rose Gibson and her parents, Ann Marie and Gene, had finished unpacking before 10:30 a.m..
"It's been really fun, kind of overwhelming, but exciting, too. Seeing new faces, meeting people... my roommate and getting everything set up," said Mary Rose Gibson. She said other than camp, this was really her first time away from home.
The sports teams usually move in early on campus, and that was no exception for soccer player Chayla Park. Park is a freshman on the soccer team, and she had been on campus earlier than other first-year students.
"It looks chaotic but it's actually really fun," said Park. "It's been very lonely [until now], but having hall mates is one of those things freshmen look forward to, meeting new friends, making connections."
Meanwhile, older sports team members helped students and their parents get their stuff in the door. Junior volleyball player Allie Smith and sophomore golfer Olivia Davis took a break from hauling dorm room supplies.
Monika Nwajei is a Resident Assistant for one of the freshman dorms.
"As a first time RA, it's kind of hectic, but it definitely brings me back to my freshman year and when I moved in. It's the same questions, but it's a great experience because they're basically coming to a new world and making their own lives," said Nwajei. "Even though it's hectic now, everyone will get in the groove of things."
Classes for all students at the Women's College begin on Monday.
Editor's note: Brenau University said some 300 students from 11 states and six countries were expected to move in to the Women's College for fall semester.
