You could tell by the mob scene that this is Penn State’s move-in weekend.
Huge crowds of students and their parents packed into the campus and apartment complexes all over State College on Saturday. They came from all directions, driving SUVs, U-Hauls, pick-up trucks and sedans.
The vehicles that belonged to the incoming collegians were easy to spot — the ones that were packed to the roof with student survival gear.
Everywhere you looked there were moms and dads toting plastic storage containers, jammed with who-knows-what.
Suitcases, make-up mirrors, full-length mirrors, bottled water, Gatorade, bathroom flip flops, big screen TVs, box fans, beds, chairs, couches and bicycles appear to be the must-have’s for this year’s crop of Nittany Lions.
There is no time to waste since classes start Monday and it’s a big transition for everyone.
One father told us he sobbed like a baby after dropping his son off at his dorm. That dad was very impressed with the reception his family got as his son moved in, calling the welcome wagon at Penn State a “well-oiled machine.”
There was a certain precision to the madness; police officers were posted across campus directing thousands of cars filled with incoming families and tons of student-related supplies.
Kamia Hobson was busy moving into Tener Hall along with her roommate Lexus Medley. The pair met while attending high school back home in Philadelphia and decided to share a room at Penn State.
Medley, who’ll be concentrating on communications in college, says the moving in process left her feeling excited, “Kind of hectic I guess, trying to get everything situated without a lot of clutter. It’s new!”
Hobson, who plans a career in the pharmaceutical field, declared, “I’m more concerned about getting to class, because it’s a big campus and my classes are separated so it’s kind of hard to get around campus. Other then that I’m not nervous, I’m ready.”
Freshman Matt Depanfilis had his hands full while moving in at East Halls. Matt’s parents, Sheryl and Mike made the trip to State College from the family’s home in Lancaster. Sheryl Depanfilis says they brought plenty of stuff, “Two big carts full!”
Matt is the second of four kids to go to college. Mike Depanfilis, says sending his son off to college is a “bittersweet” experience.
Asked what’s needed for freshman year, Matt had his laundry list ready, “Guitar, bean bag chair …”
“Rice Krispies treats,” chimed in his mom.
Matt replied, “Clothes. A lot of clothes.”
