May 20, 2013
You might call it organized chaos - move-in day at the University of Tennessee is busy and exciting for everyone involved.
"It's been a little hectic, overwhelming, but I'm excited to be here - I'm ready to get moved in and start the school year," said Jill Poole, a freshman.
For Katie Edwards, it's also been overwhelming:
"I'm nervous and scared. But it's fun - I met my suitemates and stuff, so that's good," said Edwards, who is also a freshman.
Once her stuff's unpacked, she said she plans to explore Knoxville.
"It's gonna be fun - it's a lot bigger than where I'm from, so it's going to be an adventure, I'm sure," said Edwards.
Businesses on the Cumberland Avenue strip said move-in day is like Christmas for them:
"Basically you know, students are here 8 months of the year and then you've got the summer and the winter break in December. And those four months, it goes down 30 plus percent. So it's very, very good to see the students back," said Mike Clark, owner of the Goal Post Tavern.
"We really depend on the students. Once they come back, and the football season comes also, it really helps us out," said Yasin Zahar, owner of Ephesus Mediterranean Grill.
Students said they're looking forward to everything the campus and East Tennessee have to offer.
"Go Vols!" said Elizabeth Evans, a freshman.
Volunteers from the community helped families unload cars and carry students' belongings into the dorms. The director of university housing said living on campus is safe, thanks to many security features like swipe cards, 24-hour staffing and security cameras.
A variety of activities are planned for the upcoming week to get freshman used to campus. The first day of classes will be Wednesday, August 22.
