Excitement, tears mark SDSU move-in day
Friday was a new beginning for thousands of students moving into dorms at San Diego State University, but also an ending for one important stage of life.
Parents hugged one another as they said goodbye to children moving out, some knowing their connections would be limited to holiday visits from now on. Many probably lingered a little longer than comfortable for their children, unpacking and making beds to stay just a few minutes more.
It’s a ritual that happens every fall at SDSU, where classes begin Monday for 36,000 students, including 4,700 who moved into the nine residential halls and student apartments on campus Friday.
“Some were in line at 4 this morning,” said Residential Education Director Kara Bauer. “A lot of students come early because they want the bottom bunk and the best furniture, although all the furniture is the same.”
A solid line of parents and students carrying clothes and other possessions resembled a procession of ants on a mission between parking lots and dorms. Outside Zora Hall, more than 100 people waited in line for elevators.
The school provided large rolling bins, but many people preferred to carry possessions packed in everything from fine luggage to plastic trash bags.
Note to students: cut mom and dad some slack
“It’s been a hectic last several months,” said David Coehn, who was helping his 17-year-old daughter Brooke move into Tenochca Hall.
With their youngest child moving out, Coehn and his wife are moving out of their Sabre Springs home and downsizing. He said the sense of being an empty-nesters hasn’t quite sunk in.
“I think it’s more emotional for her, because she’s the last one,” Cohen said about Brooke.
“I was nervous at first, but now that I’m meeting my roommate, I’m super excited,” Brooke said after meeting Madison Katz, who came from North Carolina.
The average room size is 12 feet by 17 feet, and year-round rents range from $7,000 to $14,000, with the high-end including meals.
“It’s actually bigger than I thought it would be,” Brooke said.
Move-in day can be emotional for new students and even more so for parents, especially ones from out of state.
Outside Zura Hall, Jim and Nancy Kelly from Philadelphia hugged as they looked up at the building that had just become their son Jack’s new home.
“I think he knew the emotion got to me, so he was just giving me some support and comfort,” Nancy said about the hug. “Being East Coast, we’re not going to see him for a while. He knew I needed some help.”
“I think it was me who needed it,” Jim said.
Jack, 19, is the oldest of their two children, and saying goodbye was difficult for the parents.
“It’s tough, just thinking about…” Jim said, his voice trailing off as he got choked up.
“Knowing him, he might not come back because he’s going to like it here so much,” he continued. “But it’s exciting, too, you know? I’m excited for him. It’s a big step.”
Nancy said the reality of the move hit her in a grocery trip earlier this week.
“I suddenly realized that I didn’t need to buy any of Jack’s food or snacks,” she said. “That’s a mom thing. You’re always feeding them, 24/7, and all of a sudden I was like, ‘Oh my God, I don’t need that, I don’t need that.’ That was my moment.”
She said her anxiety was eased a bit because she had already met Jack’s roommate, 19-year-old Trevor Estee from Charleston, S.C.
Trevor’s mother Cheryl Estee said the week was stressful but became fun after the two arrived in San Diego, her favorite city outside of Charleston.
“It’s been emotional,” she said. “Tearful. I had a dream about it last night. I woke up thinking, ‘This is the day.’ I’m an empty-nester now. I’m thinking about getting a puppy.”
Jack and Trevor are both studying business entrepreneurship and had become friends before becoming roommates after meeting on Facebook.
“Of course I’m a little sad to leave the family, but I’m excited to start a new chapter in my life,” Jack said.
“It’s been exciting,” Trevor said about the move. “I haven’t really gotten sad yet to leave my parents because we’re still going through all this. I will, though.”
Earlier this month, SDSU had a message for students who might have been a bit embarrassed by parents who linger and insist on taking pictures, unpacking their clothes and making their bed.
Let them.
“As you start this new chapter of your life, they are also starting a new chapter of theirs,” the post read. “And believe it or not, this transition is as difficult for them as it is for you. So be patient and let them treat you like their ‘baby’ just a little longer.”
The school originally posted a similar message on Facebook in 2014, and it quickly went viral.
“It came to me one day to just be nice to your parents,” said Greg Block, author of the post and chief communications officer for SDSU.
Block said he remembered feeling a little embarrassed by his parents when he moved into a SDSU dorm as a student, but his perspective changed as he got older and watched his friends say goodbye to their college-age children. On Friday, he helped his niece move in.
Block remembered how the original Facebook post resonated with families around the country and became viral after a Bay Area disc jockey tweeted about it, driving more people to the SDSU Facebook page.
One commentator this year chastised SDSU for posting a “recent viral meme” before being set straight.
Others empathized with the message.
“Move-in day, my dad and husband had to peel me off her as I sobbed goodbye,” one mother wrote about dropping of her daughter at college. “Bittersweet moment for parents and awesome moment for students.”
“This is so well written and (it’s) so true!!” someone else wrote about the post. “Brings anguish to my heart followed by real exhilarating happiness knowing your baby is becoming part of the grown up world.”
