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Move-in begins for UTA

Written by Wendy Shepard

Thursday, 23 August 2007 06:02 PM

Incoming freshman Savana McMahen and her aunt Debbie Harrison moved McMahen's things into her new Arlington Hall dorm room Thursday. McMahen came from a small town, Vernon, Texas, and will attend the nursing school. (The Shorthorn: Kate Stipp)

Nursing freshman Savana McMahen changed a lot for one day. She drove three and a half hours from Vernon, Texas to move into the residence halls like hundreds of students, Thursday.

Worries plagued her days before her move. She left a small town, a high school class of 130 and her family to move into Arlington Hall. Her biggest concern was how dorm life would be, finding her classes and if people on campus would be nice.

Many students, freshmen or not, have the same questions, concerns and fears. For McMahen, this was intense and she became physically ill Wednesday when thinking of move-in day.

Lisa Hees, front desk student receptionist at the housing and University Center offices, said the residence halls are totally full. There are 1,682 students scheduled to move in this weekend.

“I was expecting chaos,” she said. Knowing her future lies ahead, she got over worries with what she called positive self-talk.

Standing next to her was her aunt, Debbie Harrison, who brought her to the university. McMahen was warmly welcomed by her resident assistant who answered questions and helped her get accustomed to the new home.

Art freshman Christian Allen Parker, center, makes his bed as his mother, Deborah, and father, George, help move his belongings into his dorm Thursday at Kalpana Chawla Hall. Students began moving in at 8 a.m. Thursday and will continue until Sunday. (The Shorthorn: Rasy Ran)

“Not all freshman are the same. It depends on where they come from, some are scared and some are excited,” said Sarah Naeem, Arlington Hall resident assistant.

Naeem is a microbiology and pre-med senior who enjoys helping new students. She remembers her freshmen year.

“I was a really bitter freshman and did not want to be here,” Naeem said. She said her job involves showing students around and getting them acquainted with organizations on campus.

“I offer advice to and help them feel more at home,” she said.

McMahen said that she was going to miss her mom, but was glad to be at school.

“It feels so good,” McMahen said. “Everybody’s in the same position, and we are all from different backgrounds and ethnicities.”

Some of the dorms are private, while others require a roommate until the end of the spring semester.

“I have a really nice roommate and we’re already hitting it off,” McMahen said.

Excited about pursuing a degree in nursing, she looked forward to seeing the Smart Hospital — opening Friday.

McMahen’s mother, a nurse, was not able to come and experience her daughter’s first few days on campus because of work.

Harrison was glad to fill in for McMahen’s mother and help her niece start her new life at the university.

“UTA is getting a pretty bright and special person,” Harrison said.

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Last Updated ( Friday, 21 September 2007 03:23 PM )

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