Arrival and adventure on move‑in day

Tiger \ˈtī-gər\: a fierce, daring person or quality; one (as a situation) that is formidable.

This past Sunday marked the kick-off of O-Week on Dalhousie’s Halifax campuses, with hundreds of formidable first-year students checking-in to residences and many a committed—and heavy lifting—parent in tow.

The Dunn parking lot was bustling as early as 9 a.m., with students and their families carrying, pushing and dragging bags of bedding, flat screen TVs, mini fridges and in one case, a healthy dose of Dr. Pepper.

“I’ve seen lots of extra furniture come in this year,” explained Jenny Weatherston, who spent her sixth day of student employment at Dal checking in Manning House residents.

Weatherston, along with many others, pulled in long hours on Sunday to ensure a successful, and stress-free day (as much as possible) for students and parents alike. Starting check-in at 7 a.m., she didn’t leave her post until the last students had collected theirs room key, as late as 8 p.m.

O-Week leaders help carry belongings into residence.

Helping with the move

Standing in the lobby of Risley Hall, the mood was a combination of nerves and overwhelming excitement. Parents looked on as students collected room keys, forged alliances and tried to remain calm in the face of true independence. More than one promise of “I’ll Skype you” could be overhead.

One set of parents, who preferred to remain anonymous for fear of embarrassing their son during his first week on campus, stood calmly outside Risley, enjoying their first cups of coffee that morning.

“This is our second time around, we’re more organized this time,” explained Dad, who by 10:30 a.m. was getting ready for the parent meeting at Risley Hall. “It’s going great. The students have been very good at steering us around to different resources.”

Mom agreed, explaining that they had learned a lot the first time they were here, moving their daughter into residence. “Books in Res, early baggage drop-off, we took advantage of it all. Anything you could do ahead of time, we did.”

By noon, many parents were on their way home – with considerably less baggage than when they’d arrived hours earlier. Some, echoing their children’s experience on another part of campus, were making friends, while others were on the giving or receiving end of comforting hugs.

Where you from?

Fun at the Field Party

On the quad of Studley campus, however, nary a parent could be seen. Students in brightly coloured T-shirts filled the space that wasn’t already occupied with bouncy castles, barbeques, fortune tellers and relay races – a cavalcade of first-day adventures. The excitement, both of first-year and returning student leaders, was like a hum that could only be released through yelling or jumping up and down on an inflatable castle.

“It smells like Halifax,” remarked one blue T-shirt clad female student, before disappearing into the crowd.

O-Week leaders were determined that they—and the students they were responsible for—would be hoarse the next day. Chants rallied back and forth and each time a new person joined their group, they were met with raucous cheering – a greeting that made even the most nervous first-year student feel welcome.

One O-Week leader was overhead advising his squad of first-year students to take in as much as possible, but also to take time for themselves. “As much fun as this week is going to be, remember: moderation is key.”

Sounds like good advice for us all.

Water fight!