Kelsey Schmitt says she always knew she would spend her college career at the University of Iowa. On Wednesday, Aug. 19, the first-year student from Coralville was excited to finally move in to her new Hawkeye home—Mary Louise Petersen Residence Hall.
Schmitt and her roommate, Hannah Yoder, went to elementary school together—and were ready to move into the first new residence hall on the UI campus in more than 40 years.
“We planned the big stuff like who is bringing the TV, who is bringing the fridge—those kinds of things,” says Schmitt.
They weren’t the only ones with a plan—University Housing & Dining staff and hundreds of volunteers were ready, too. That’s because Schmitt and Yoder were two of about 6,000 students moving into UI residence halls across campus Aug. 18-20. And that plan, well, it’s pretty much down to a science. Students are scheduled to arrive during three timeframes throughout the day and at the same time as their roommate. There’s also signage all around town, and people are there to help at every point in the process.
But this year, there were some changes for students calling Hillcrest, Petersen, Quadrangle, Rienow, and Slater halls home. Their process started at the Hawk Lot at the Hawkeye Recreation Fields with students receiving their room keys. Then, they drove to their residence hall, unloaded their vehicle and moved their belongings to their room. Then, the car went back to the Hawk Lot—and shuttles were available back to campus.
“I think it went very nicely. We didn’t have very much traffic to deal with, and since we live in the area, it wasn’t that difficult to locate anything,” says Kelsey.
“This is great,” said Steve Schmitt, Kelsey’s father. “Everyone has been very helpful.”
A day of family firsts
Meantime, in another residence hall on campus, move-in day was a milestone—times two—for the Redington family.
“Mom, can you help open this?” says first-year student Amme Redington.
And with that, Amme and her mom, Lyn, started unpacking and sharing the start of their time at the UI. It was also Lyn’s first day as the new dean of students.
“When she came to visit, she just lit up and we just knew this is the place for her. I’m excited for her to find her way, and me to find my way,” says Lyn.
With volunteers and staff at every point of the move-in process, Lyn says it helped to make for a smooth start to the day.
“It was so incredibly organized. Everyone is identified, they have carts, they have bins, they have people giving directions—amazing,” says Lyn. “I’m honored to be part of the UI team, and I think it’s going to be a great year for students, staff and faculty. Go Hawks!”
