Freshmen Move-In Day at UIS

Extra: View photos from Freshmen Move-In Day

The University of Illinois Springfield welcomed approximately 275 new students and their parents during Freshmen Move-In Day on August 22, 2012.

“It’s pretty great. Everyone is really helpful,” said Conor Dixon, a freshman moving into Founders Residence Hall.

Dozens of volunteers from the UIS Christian Student Fellowship (CSF), leadership retreat participants, members of the UIS soccer and volleyball teams, and other groups helped with the move-in process.

“It’s a lot smoother here than at bigger universities,” said Ryan McKanna, a resident assistant (RA). “(Bigger schools) just don’t have the manpower to help move everyone in.”

Students were assigned arrival times in an effort to avoid headaches and congestion. Volunteers helped direct parents to parking spaces, helped unload and carry items, and led students to their new rooms.

“UIS is a really nice-sized place, but also has certainly all the big time elements that I think a kid needs in college,” said Dave Anderson, a parent. 

Anderson’s daughter, Erin, picked UIS because of it’s right-size and the biology program was a perfect fit.

Chancellor Susan J. Koch greeted many of the students and their parents as they began the move-in process. She left them with some advice.

“My first piece of advice is to go to class,” said Koch. “Go to class everyday. Don’t miss any classes because that is really the first sign of success.”

The second piece of advice, “get out there” and explore campus. Sign up for student clubs and organizations and become involved.

“You should get out there except, of course, if you have an exam you need to study for, then you should stay and study,” said Koch.

Following the move, parents and students enjoyed a “Welcome BBQ” and a variety of other fun and entertaining events. Fall Semester classes at UIS begin on Monday, August 27.