Brian Manzullo

Move-in day on campus can be stressful.

Students who live in residence halls have to unpack, get their rooms situated again, buy books and prepare themselves for the first day of classes.

However, the day is different for Emmons Hall resident assistant and Brighton senior Jaime Zlamal. She had to wake up early to await the returning residents of Emmons Hall.

“We have to be up for when the residents start to move back in,” Zlamal said. “The time we had to be up varies between the halls, but we’re just supposed to be here, doors open, in case the residents need anything.”

With all the waiting, the day can be very calm and relaxed for RAs and Multicultural Advisers. Emmons Hall MA Rachel Pedersen said the day is mostly spent greeting returning residents and being available.

“It’s really laid back,” the Chesterfield junior said. “Most people don’t have much to bring back. Usually it’s just clothes, food and computers, so they don’t need a lot of help. There is usually a parent or friend helping with the moving.”

RAs are also responsible for the decorations and appearance of the residence halls.

“We have to have new bulletin boards and posters,” Zlamal said. “I also made new decorations for those who had them ripped down or ruined. I made new fire drill signs as well because there were some residents who were unsure on what to do for fire drills.”

The responsibilities and deadlines for RAs vary from hall to hall, Zlamal said.

Residents have a lot to take care of as well. Montague freshman Sara Sommerfield is one of the thousands of students that moved into the residence halls on Sunday.

“It’s definitely easier moving in spring semester,” Sommerfield said. “There’s still a lot to do in one day.”

She said that “as long as you get here early enough it’s fine, but if you have to drive a distance it can be a hassle getting everything done in one day.”

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