NORFOLK, Neb. - It’s an exciting time on the campus of Northeast Community College in Norfolk. As students prepare for classes to begin on Monday, many are focusing on their living arrangements, especially the over 500 students who will be living on campus.
Freshmen students moved into the college’s three residence halls and two apartment buildings on Thursday.
“We have around 450 students who will be in by the end of today,” said Sara Morgan, director of residence life, at mid-day. “And then on Sunday, we'll have around 80 to 100 who will move in.”
There was no shortage of help for the students moving in. In addition to family members of all ages, Northeast resident assistants (RAs), desk assistants (DAs), and Northeast employees also assisted by toting in everything from sofas and televisions to food to laundry baskets full of items. Morgan said she is grateful for the extra hands.
“It's a lot of work but we have really good students helping. We have our RAs and DAs out helping today and they have been phenomenal,” she said. “They all helped us set things up the night before to get everything ready. I also really appreciate employees signing up for shifts to assist the students and their family members.”
Morgan said they did do a few new things differently this year to assist in the move in process. That included utilizing a long walkway in front of Path Hall so drop offs at the front door were more convenient to unload. She said they also kept emergency doors in the buildings locked to ensure a more secure environment.
Morgan said statistics show how important it is for students to live on a college campus. In addition to enjoying a social culture, it can be beneficial in students’ education.
“Oh my gosh, it's so important. When students live on campus, they are more successful, they have higher GPAs are more likely to stay in school. I think it's absolutely phenomenal that we have so many students living here and that our campus housing is full. I only wish we had more space to put them,” she said with a chuckle.
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Approximately 450 freshmen students at Northeast Community College began moving into the college’s residence halls and apartment buildings on the Norfolk campus on Thursday. Another 80-100 returning students will move in on Sunday. Fall classes at Northeast start Monday.