DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Packed cars, personal belongings piled high, and the football team making it all seem so easy are the organized chaos of freshmen move-in day.

“It’s really exciting, a lot is happening,” says freshman Page Durkin, laughing.

These freshmen at St. Norbert College have been preparing for move-in day for weeks.

“A lot of online shopping, helping my mom, a lot of trips to Target, but yeah, it was all fun,” says Thomas Meyers, who comes to SNC from Kimberly.

On Thursday morning, the first-year students were able to see their new – albeit small – accommodation for the first time. With a little help, it is becoming easier and easier to settle into the dorm.

“We looked at other rooms in the dorm and saw how other students decorated their rooms. We picked up some good ideas. To be honest, we’ll probably recreate a few other rooms,” says Meyers’ father, Tim.

For students from near and far, reality begins on move-in day.

“I’m excited and nervous. I’m really looking forward to starting over and meeting a lot of new people, but I’m also really nervous because sometimes it can be hard to meet people, especially in a new place,” says Durkin, who is from a suburb of Chicago.

“I’m a little nervous, but pretty excited,” Meyers said. “I’m looking forward to getting started. I’m playing basketball here and I’m pretty excited to get started with the guys.”

“I’m really excited. I’m looking forward to meeting new people, getting to know the college and experiencing what it’s like being away from home,” adds Allette Shanks of Kingsford, Michigan.

The 414-member class of 2028 represents 14 different states and five different countries.

St. Norbert’s staff say they are here for them and hope they find a second home on campus.

“Everything is available to them. The resources are there if they just ask, and they’re there to extend a hand or a hug if they need help. Because we have the old Latin term ‘communio,’ a Norbertine phrase for the deep, intrinsic value of family, we hope they experience that from day one,” says Eric Wagner, the director of admissions and enrollment partnerships at St. Norbert.

For mothers and fathers, parents and guardians, this day is bittersweet.

“I’m excited. She’s my third, my third and my last. It’s sad, but I’m excited,” says Shanks’ mother Joan.

“With our oldest daughter, it hit me when we left. It was probably the same with him,” says Tim Meyers. “It’s a bit like getting ready for a wedding. You have to get everything ready and then it happens and it’s over so quickly and then you go home and think, ‘Wow, another one out of the house.'”

But these students are taking the plunge.

“It’s a new adventure, a new chapter, and it can be scary for some people, exciting for others, or both. For me, it’s both,” Durkin adds.