WILLIAMSBURG — Caitlin Zecca was feeling anxious.
Today was new student move-in day at William & Mary, and the 18-year-old from Alexandria was among the hundreds of students who showed up excited to start the next chapter of their lives — even if it meant some raw nerves for some.
“I’m feeling a lot of things right now,” Zecca said as she moved into Monroe Hall, which houses first-year Monroe Scholars, some of the university’s highest performing students. “I really don’t want to be separated from my family.”
More than 1,600 new and transfer students moved in at William & Mary on Friday. Students hauled everything from cellos to minifridges and many, many large blue plastic bags, using large wheeled green bins to lighten the load. Returning students will move in Sunday, with classes starting Wednesday.
Monroe Hall, where Zecca will live for the next year, was recently renovated as part of a nearly $23 million effort to update dining and residence halls on campus. Large common spaces were added, and various student-recommended changes were made, such as adding gender-inclusive bathrooms. About 130 freshmen will live in the dorm, which was constructed in 1923.
The renovations at Monroe — which included the addition of air conditioning — were the first steps of the university’s Housing & Dining Comprehensive Facilities Plan, said Maggie Evans, William & Mary’s associate vice president for student affairs.
The plan will continue with the opening of a new residence hall, Cedar Hall, in July 2025, as well as the re-opening of another renovated residence hall, Old Dominion Hall, in August 2025. The university also plans to debut the West 1 Housing & Dining Development, a complex of four residential buildings and a dining pavilion, in August 2025.
“I’m just looking forward to the college experience,” said Zecca, who expects to study psychology and linguistics.
Nearby outside Monroe Hall, Will Basham was unloading a minifridge, fan and other things with his mom in the grass. The 18-year-old said he’s excited to join the ultimate frisbee club at the university.
“I’m super pumped,” he said. “I’m excited to meet new folks and excited to have a lot more freedom and independence.”
Stationed throughout campus to help new students moving in were orientation aides, who wore fluorescent yellow shirts as they cheered, sang and waved signs, directing parents where to park, providing bins and giving various tidbits of advice.
“It’s going so great,” said aide Lisa Coleman, a 20-year-old senior. “We’re waving hi to all the parents, saying hello, giving people advice about parking — just getting everyone excited. We’re so excited.”
Coleman said many students seemed a bit anxious, but that’s normal for a move-in day.
Lily Westhelle said she had a lot of mixed feelings. The 18-year-old freshman said she was nervous to be away from her family and friends, but she was excited at the same time.
“I’m looking forward to all my classes,” Westhelle said. “I love that I can just take things I’m interested in and that’s hopefully how I’ll find my major.”
Sam Schaffer, samuel.schaffer@virginiamedia.com
