MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. — The campus of Georgia College & State University was buzzing with activity on Thursday as the university held move-in day.
The school says more than 1000 students moved into their residence halls and started to get acclimated ahead of the school year, including freshmen like Adeline Jarriel.
"I am excited to one pursue my career and also to just meet new people and just live the college life," Jarriel says.
Between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., freshman students made up the bulk of people moving in.
Jarriel, who was moving to Milledgeville from Tucker, says she was a little nervous since she has never lived without her parents. But since she shared a room with a sibling, some of the changes weren't too startling.
"I've never lived on my own. I've never had my own bedroom, but I guess I don't have my own bedroom now," she says. "I guess it's not too big of an adjustment."
However, Jarriel says moving in has been stressful.
Despite some concerns about arriving late and worries about not getting moved in fast enough, she was able to get her room situated. She's excited about getting her college career started.
"I'm nervous, but I think I'm ready," Jarriel said.
On top of studying to be a nurse in the emergency room, she said she was excited about getting involved in college life.
But it wasn't just students who were excited about move-in day. Larry Christenson, executive director for housing at Georgia College, says move-in days are one of his favorite days.
"It's just that energy at the start of every school year, that optimism of the students and parents," Christenson said. "Some are excited; some are sad. It's all the emotions together."
Another freshman moving in Thursday, Noah Jones, comes from Roswell. He says he can not wait to live on his own.
"It was kind of in the middle — not too far, not too close," he says. "I could live away and could be close to my family. And it also is just a tight-knit community I get to have fun with."
Georgia College had an additional move-in day on Wednesday at their West Campus.
With students back on campus, classes are right around the corner. Students are back in the classroom on Monday.