EAST STROUDSBURG, Pa. — It's a sign that a new college semester is on the horizon: Families unpack cars and haul bags, boxes, and mini-fridges to the dorms at East Stroudsburg University.
"Actually it's not too bad, she brought maybe half of what I thought she would. It all fits in the minivan, and we still have room," Lynne Houser, parent of an incoming freshman.
"For me, it was very easy because you just have to take some stuff in. Once you get in, it takes like 30 minutes. I packed really light," said Joseph Ditmiso.
ESU President Kenneth Long says it's his favorite day of the year, welcoming new students and incoming freshmen to campus.
"Class is going to be about the same as last year, about 1,400 new students and 400-500 readmit students, so about a little more than last year but about the same overall," said President Long.
Lots of upperclassmen helped the new students move into their new home away from home… incoming freshmen say they're looking forward to the next chapter.
"I'm nervous, but everyone is really excited, and that is good energy to be around," said Katelyn Macort from Hellertown.
"Probably meeting new people, making some friends; it's going to be fun," said Ditmiso.
Students will notice more than just some new faces around campus. ESU has made lots of upgrades to classrooms and other buildings.
"Some great work during the summer; Abeloff auditorium got a facelift, we upgraded restrooms, put an ADA ramp in for accessibility, Zimbar gym got a totally new facelift in there with some painting to brand us a little better," said President Long.
Classes begin on Monday at East Stroudsburg University.