EAST LANSING, Lansing State Journal/Paul Henderson - For Robert Thomas of Detroit, going through the moving process a second time wasn't any easier.
"It is always a challenge," said Thomas who was helping his son, Robert Thomas Jr. move-in to East Akers Hall at Michigan State University Sunday.
He said the move in has been going well, despite one of the two elevators not working.
"I do not have to go to the gym today," Simone Thomas said as she helped her brother lug boxes up six flights of stairs.
Simone graduated from Michigan State University in 2011 and offered her brother advice during the move-in.
"It is the best four years of your life, so enjoy it, learn as much as you can." Simone said.
Robert Thomas Jr. is part of MSU's largest freshman class in school history. More than 8,000 students will be moving into the dorms this year.
Kathy Collins, director of Residence Education and Housing Services at Michigan State University said move-in can be stressful, but it is an exciting time.
"The atmosphere on campus changes overnight and that is really great to watch," Collins said. "It is so exciting to welcome thousands of new Spartans to MSU."
Collins said this year her office has been more aggressive with communication.
"For example, as we approached move in, our housing assignments office contacted students who had signed up for housing, but had not yet registered for classes to verify that they were still planning to come to MSU," Collins said.
They have also reduced the amount of single rooms available, created a wait list for transfer students and have placed resident hall assistants and office of cultural and academic transitions aides with roommates.
"Our number one goal is to ensure that our students are safe and secure so that they can excel academically and proceed to graduate from MSU," Collins said. "We do not take that responsibility lightly."
Graden Barnes, one of the student supervisors for the Akers and Hubbard Hall Complex started work at 6:30 a.m. Sunday. Barnes has been helping residents move-in, keeping the hallways clean and safe, and has helped with recycling.
"It's a fun challenge," Barnes said. "It is nice meeting a lot of residents".
Lesley Hocking of Birmingham always wanted to go to Michigan State, but the move-in has been a little hectic for her.
"It is really stressful and really hot," said Hocking who just finished up unpacking her car with the help of her family. "We are putting the carpet under everything right now, so it is a little crazy."
Aside from the carpet, there was one thing Lesley could not leave her house without.
"My fan," she said. "I have it on even during the winter."
Lesley's dad Tom wasn't looking forward to saying goodbye, but knew the time eventually would come.
"We have to show a strong face though, so she doesn't get the sadness part, just the excitement part," Hocking said.