First-year packing pains

Moving can be a hassle, whether it’s from house to house, or town to town. But for first-year student Drew Howland, moving to the University of South Dakota was more than the journey.

Not only did Howland make a two-day road trip for the highly anticipated move-in day Aug. 23, but he also moved from Rapid City, S.D., to Boulder, Colo., two weeks prior.

“I started packing in June since we were moving anyway. I just had a few things to finish up,” Howland said about the strenuous packing method most incoming first-year students dread to begin.

Like a good portion of the incoming class, Howland had a little assembling to do on move-in day.

“We ended up putting my futon together in the Best Western parking lot,” Howland said. “Ten bolts, and it was done.”

Much unlike the air conditioning, which didn’t kick in until hours later, Howland said the USD move-in system was cool and efficient.

“All of the people involved in Greek Life were really helpful and quick,” Howland said. “It only took 15 minutes to be all moved in.”

After the arrows, colors and people filtered out of the dorms, the first-years were left alone with their belongings, new roommates and post move-in thoughts.

“Once I was all moved in, I just wanted to make it look like home,” Howland said. “After that, meet as many people as I can on my floor. That’s important, to know your surroundings.”

Howland made it through the outfit choice, “yellow shirt because red is everywhere,” and the goodbye tears from his parents.

“As long as you pretend you aren’t nervous, then eventually you will convince yourself you aren’t,” he said.