Updated as of Aug. 21 at 1:50 p.m. to include video.
The class of 2030 was greeted with cheers as they arrived at their first Move-In Day stop: Schar Center.
The parking lot became a check-in center as new students received their room keys and welcome packets before heading off to their new homes.
Elon faculty and staff cheerfully welcomed families and gave advice for navigating the transition.
“You’ll learn a lot about yourself in these first few weeks and semester,” Director of Academic Advising Kathy Ziga said. “You’ll grow a lot, so give yourself some chances to try things out.”
Counselor Charles Evans said most learning comes from experiences and encouraged new students to explore as much as they can.
“Really embrace all the conditions of the human experience while you’re navigating college,” Evans said. “Learning, making mistakes, making new friends, maneuvering your own space and really understanding who you are.”
Ziga also emphasized the importance of trying new things.
“Take this time to explore, whether it’s new classes, new student organizations, your hall mates,” Ziga said. “Check things out, explore the community.”