New Gamecocks Move In For 2017 School Year

USC said this is their largest incoming freshman class to date with 5,800 students.

Columbia, S.C. (WOLO)– The Gamecocks are coming home to roost! Freshman are moving in to start a new chapter of their lives.  It’s like tailgating at a Gamecock football game–  a lot of people, lots of traffic, but it is a very proud tradition: move in day. Parents and students alike are excited but anxious.

“We’re so glad they decided to become a gamecock and not a Clemson Tiger here in our great state of South Carolina,” Turner Johnson said, Resident Body President. 

For some, move in day can be pretty stressful.

“Little bit… Just figuring out what to pack or what not to pack. Telling my mom I need this or I don’t need this,” Jack Byrnes said, an incoming international business student. 

For experienced parents like Joanie Samuel, it’s just another Gamecock victory.  

“Oh, look at my trunk! I’ve so nailed down this process,” Samuel said, as her SUV was practically empty by 11 Tuesday morning. 

There is always good advice out there to make the process a bit smoother.

“Don’t do it last minute. You’ll pay the price,” Byrnes said. 

“New parents, just be patient. And it’s hot! So you just gotta be patient. And another thing I’d say is to get your name to get a cart,” Samuel said. 

“Bring your patience and bring your water. So it’s going to warmer, and you gotta be patient because we know the elevator lines are long,” Johnson said. 

“Pack your patience. I think somebody else just said that. It’s a long day, it’s hot, the elevators on a normal day aren’t designed to handle this many people,” Kristen Kennedy said, the Executive Director of USC Housing.

“But as long as it fits in the elevator, however, you want to pack it that’s up to you,” Johnson laughed. 

Even though move-in day can be a roller-coaster of emotions, it’s an exciting adventure for the brand new Gamecocks. 

“This can be an emotional day for families. Moms and dads are a little bit sad, students are excited and anxious and ready to get the ball rolling. But you’ll see a lot of hugs and tears as they separate for the first time. But moms and dads, just know they’ve done a great job so far and those voices will remain in their heads as they’re making decisions,” Kennedy said. 

“We’re trying to make it fun. We’ve got the music going in the room. Making it a good time and trying not to be sad in front of him, which is going to be hard, but doing our best,” Samuel said. 

Classes start on Thursday for USC students.