The University of Central Missouri’s freshmen moved in on Thursday, Aug. 9, and the 95-degree weather didn’t dampen the excitement of the new arrivals.

The new students arrived at 9 in the morning to move into their dorms to start the UCM Experience Kickoff.

An outpouring of emotions lined the streets of campus, as parents left their sons and daughters for the first time. UCM Mule Team leaders and volunteers stood around the dorms and offered help for the new students.

Community advisors, including Rachel Newkirk, said she witnessed a range of emotions during the event.

“Some of the students were very excited,” said Newkirk, a sophomore elementary education major. “Some of the students were very nervous. Some of the students were upset. Some of the students were excited, nervous and upset. That is my job as a CA, and everyone’s job here working with the students is to connect with the students and make them feel like they are home.”

Newkirk said if she couldn’t help, she could point the students in the right direction.

“The best part about being a CA during freshman move-in day was getting the opportunity to get to know the students and ask them questions,”  Newkirk said. “I want to let my students know that I am here to help them and that my door is always open. I want to be a mentor for these new students and want them to feel comfortable.”

From 9-11 a.m., students and parents were constantly moving and helping each other.

“Everyone has different personalities, and we could definitely see that during freshman move-in. That’s what made move-in so fun! We as CAs and the staff gave off a positive vibe so students could feel like themselves,” Newkirk said.

Payton Adams, a freshman elementary education major, felt a lot of emotions during move-in.

“Well, the weather was obnoxious, but it was also exciting getting settled in. The workers standing around made everyone feel like they belonged at UCM. Everyone around was kind and helpful and no question was a stupid question,” Adams said.

UCM wants to make students feel safe and comfortable. Every year the Mule team leaders and the staff come together to make sure the move-in and kick-off experience is as helpful as it can be for students.

“My first full day here was a blur! This a time in my life and everyone’s life where we are doing something we have never done before,” said Adams. “I got a good vibe from everything that happened the first day and am excited to see what UCM has to offer.”

After move-in was complete, all the freshmen gathered into the Student Recreation & Wellness Center. Interim UCM President Roger Best had a few words to say to the new students.

“This is a very exciting time for all of us because this reinforced why we are here,” Best said. “We are here to serve students and provide them with educational opportunities. Having all these first year students is fantastic. It is a very exciting time for us.”