Thousands of First-Year Students Move into Waterloo Universities

Thousands of first-year undergraduate students are moving into campuses in Waterloo, Ontario, this weekend, marking the unofficial end of summer. From August 28 to 31, both the University of Waterloo (UW) and Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU) are welcoming new students eager to begin their academic journeys.

Excitement and Nerves Fill the Air

As students settled into their new surroundings on Friday, excitement permeated the atmosphere. “Extremely excited that I’m going to be here in Laurier, extremely nervous to see how the year goes,” expressed Noah Vince, a first-generation university student from Mississauga, Ontario, moving into WLU’s Bricker Residence. He arrived with a bustling support crew, including his parents, aunt, and siblings.

Vince’s decision to invite his parish priest, Father Francis Akkarapattiekal, to bless his dorm highlights the importance of community support. “He asked if a priest could come and bless his dorm,” said Father Akkarapattiekal. “I thought it was a great way to start to bring God into the next four years as a new stage in his life.”

Meanwhile, fellow first-year students Idana Vitale and Maya Quach moved into their residence the day before. “I was actually nervous to move in just because of the amount of stuff I had,” admitted Vitale. Both students, however, have begun to acclimate, finding it easier to connect through a group chat that includes fellow residents.

Emotional Transitions for Families

The transition is not only significant for students; it also evokes strong emotions for their families. “It’s really exciting, but it’s a little sad,” noted Lisa Brake, a parent of a UW student. “He’s my baby. We’re going to be empty nesters, and it’s a big change at home.”

Another UW parent, Roger Townsend, echoed similar sentiments. “I’ll probably shed a few tears, probably when he’s gone … it’s going to be tough.” Parents are navigating their own emotional landscapes as they support their children’s new beginnings.

First-year student Connor McMahon reflected on the duality of his feelings, saying, “My family is just, they’re always there for me. I’m gonna miss them, but they’re excited for me, and I’m excited for myself.”

To accommodate the influx of students, several road closures are planned in Waterloo and surrounding areas, including near the University of Guelph.

As students embark on this new chapter, the promise of fresh experiences and academic challenges awaits them in their respective universities. For many, this move-in weekend serves as the first step into a transformative journey.