1,000 students bring life back to UNL residence halls

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – All of Abel Hall’s 13 floors are abuzz with chatter as students began moving into the dorms this weekend.

“I’m excited to meet new people, honestly that’s the biggest thing is meeting people, and just for a change,” said incoming freshman Grace Dobson. “I was tired of high school, so a change is good.”

Official move-in doesn’t start until Monday, but there were 1,000 students moving in this weekend for programs like Greek life, marching band and academic programs.

“It is early, but we pulled out all the stops today even though it’s early move-in,” said residential education director Matt Nelson.

One thing that stuck around since it began due to the Coronavirus pandemic is a campus move-in team, a group hired from outside the university to do all the heavy lifting for students. With the help of the movers, all families have to do is decorate.

“Students and parents really enjoy the experience,” Nelson said. “It makes it really easy for them and convenient, allowing you a little bit more time to spend together rather than focusing on packing and unpacking.”

Nelson also expressed his appreciation for the Lincoln community as UNL welcomes back students for another year of learning. It’s expected that more than 5,000 students will be calling campus their home by the end of the week.