RAs ease students’ transitions into campus lifestyle

Move-in Mania welcomed freshmen and returning students to what will be their new homes for the next semster, officially beginning a brand new year at ULM.

“This is a way for students to feel like they are wanted here,” said Ashleigh Wallace, senior elementary education major and residential assistant of Commons I.

Every campus dorm and apartment had a part in organizing and participating in the event. Campus clubs such as the Student Government Association, Campus Activity Board, Greek Life, Residential Life and different religious groups also helped in the move-in events.

The event was held the Friday before classes began to coincide with the food services on campus reopening for the fall semester.

Wallace said the reason she became an RA was to show her love for her campus.

As an RA, she is responsible for handing out room keys, getting students situated in the right rooms and answering any questions the students may have. “There’s always stress for freshmen because this is a new experience for them. Move-in Mania is to kind of smooth it over and make it an exciting experience because it is a frightening one,” said Wallace.

Tashain Locke, a freshman kinesiology major from Trinidad and Tobago, participated in the event.

Locke, who moved into the Madison dorm, said the event was pretty helpful and the RAs did a great job.

For Locke, the event was the first of many college experiences he hopes to have here at ULM.

Locke said, “This is what you have been waiting for. Take part in everything you can to make [college] the most enjoyable experience.”