Establishing life at college involves braiding together pieces of home with indications of a new beginning.

Most Elon University freshman considered deciding what to pack to be their biggest challenge on Move-In Day, but Takeva Mitchell had no doubt her fish would accompany her to campus.

"I had to bring him because my mom was not going to take care of him," said Mitchell, who transported her fish, Carter, in a plastic container from her house in Burlington.

Freshman Jessica Grembowski also introduced reminders of home into the Elon community. Her bear, Love-a-lot, has sat on her bed since she entered her first home and will continue to do so in her dorm room, said her mother, Brenda Grembowski.

While the stuffed-animal serves as a consistent comfort, its absence of their house in Virginia proves her daughter's transition to college.

"I'm OK with Love-a-lot leaving the home," Brenda said. "I'm not OK with my daughter leaving the home."

Nevertheless, members of the Elon community worked throughout the day to ease the new students' move. Members of Residence Life, student orientation leaders and volunteers on O-Team carry linens, suitcases and other dorm room essentials from parking lots to residence halls. However, a smooth transition requires attention to all facets of the move-in process.

Sophomore Kasey Llorente, a Resident Student Association helper, identified herself as the "Queen of the Hutches" and provided information about acquiring the desk hutches and distributes the pieces to those that have pre-ordered.

"It's really an exciting day for everyone involved in new student orientation," said Michael Soucy, a member of head staff of new student orientation.

[box] Want to see more photos from move-in? Check out our photo gallery of top moments from the day. [/box]

Head staff has prepared for Move-In Day since October and orientation leaders have trained during the week to acclimate students to Elon. Despite waking up at 4:30 a.m., Soucy only described Move-In Day as fun and thrilling.

"Today is the day they get to meet the new students, and it's an exciting time for them to really help the new students and welcome them to the community," Soucy said.

And members of administration ensure they are not excluded from the day's events. President Leo Lambert traveled around campus, welcoming students living in various areas. Earl Danieley, president emeritus and chemistry professor, sits in his traditional Move-In Day spot in Danieley Center, also determined not to miss the memorable occasion.

"Today is the best," Danieley said. "The weather is beautiful. The people are beautiful. Everyone is happy."

Brooke Barnett, senior fellow and advisor to the president, attributed the high spirits to the sunny weather, and freshman Connor Rudnicki said he was happy to finally be on campus.

"It feels good," he said.

Freshman Emily Rihm enjoyed organizing her room and also said Move-In Day has left a positive impression. Although Rihm said she is going to miss her bed at home, the new student named her comforter and bedding as her favorite things in the room.

Parents experience the mix of anxiousness and excitement as well.

"It's kind of tough, but she's very excited to be here and we're excited for her," Brenda said.

But while new families focus on settling in, Danieley is already looking ahead.

[quote]Today is the best. The weather is beautiful. The people are beautiful. Everyone is happy. -Earl Danieley, president emeritus[/quote]

"I can't wait for class on Tuesday," he said.

Danieley has 21 freshmen in his chemistry class and can already recite the hometowns and athletic interests of his 15 Elon101 students.

"I want to know them well, and hopefully I'll be helpful to them too," he said.