CONWAY, SC (WMBF) – Coastal Carolina University will welcome thousands of students for the first day of school on Wednesday, and there is much to be excited about in the new school year.

Coastal’s campus was quiet early Wednesday morning before students took to the sidewalks and headed to their first class of the new school year.

For students, there is much more reason to celebrate than just the new school year.

Before classes began, the university announced that it would welcome the largest group of students in its history.

Students are also looking forward to a new degree program that will allow them to complete a four-year nursing degree on Coastal’s campus.

Previously, nursing students had to spend the first two years at Horry-Georgetown Technical College and then complete the final two years at CCU.

Just in time for the start of the season for the men’s and women’s teams, the university also has a brand new football stadium.

Students returning to campus will also notice construction work on the new indoor soccer training facility, which university officials hope will be completed next year.

Chants can enjoy new technology and even a Starbucks cafe in the new Thompson Library on campus.

Alana Ambrosio and her roommates are freshmen, and although they are a little nervous about the new school year, they can’t wait to dive into the new year.

“I was really nervous at first, but now I’m really excited,” she said. “I was nervous about the ten-girl suite, but now that I’ve met everyone, it’s just so exciting. We’ve had so much fun so far. I think I’m just ready for classes to start so I can get into a routine, so I’m just excited.”

Ambrosio said she and her friends hope to join the Sea Turtle Club.

In a normal year, less than half of CCU students are native South Carolinians. During freshman year, that number is usually much lower.

Mason Bickel and Hans Seibold are out-of-state students attending CCU for two very different reasons.

“I just heard about this place from other friends and did a tour and an orientation here, and I just really liked the campus and everything about it,” Bickel said.

“My grandparents only live about 13 miles away, so I get to spend more time with them,” Seibold said. “I felt like seeing them twice a year wasn’t really enough for me, so I’m excited to see them.”

Both Seibold and Bickel said they are looking forward to joining clubs and getting involved at CCU.

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