DE PERE, Wisc. (SPECTRUM NEWS) — Moms and dads helped lug refrigerators and boxes of clothes upstairs

There were stuffed animals, too.

For the first time in months, the St. Norbert College campus teemed with students as first-years began the process of moving into residence halls Thursday.

For many, college marked the start of a new chapter in the lives just months after the coronavirus pandemic brought an abrupt — and in many cases an unceremonious — end to their high school careers. Despite that, a number of students say they are focused on new friends, new classes and new experiences.

“I think I’m more nervous about starting college and going to a new class and a new environment than COVID,” says Sophie Yde, a freshman from Wausau.

Thursday’s move-in looked a little different with COVID-19 prevention measures in place — including staggered move-in times and a process that didn’t include college staff handling belongings. 

It’s one element of a three-phase COVID-19 plan adopted by the college to help mitigate the spread of the illness. Among other things, classroom and dining spaces have been reconfigured to provide social distancing and face coverings are required when outside of an assigned dorm room.

“I think families see when they get here that we’re prepared for them,” says Brian Bruess, St. Norbert’s president. “It’s giving them some reassurances and confidence their sons and daughters can be safe and successful at college.”

That resonated with Waukesha resident Brien Farley who was helping his daughter — Nora — move into her new home on campus.

“We’re very confident that St. Norbert has this all handled as far as everything that’s going on,” he says. “There’s no nervousness on our part in that regard. I think my daughter is nervous just about starting college.” 

Sure there are jitters about the things every freshman worries about, but excitement lingers in the air, too.

“It’s one of my first times away from home and I’m excited to meet new people,” Yde says.