The next chapter for many Three Rivers College students started Thursday.
While returning students moved into their apartment-style dorms on Wednesday, new students moved in Thursday with classes set to begin next week.
“It’s exciting,” said freshman cheerleader Chloe Watkins, who got a room on the first floor. “We don’t have to lug everything upstairs. I packed my car full of stuff, so I didn’t have anybody riding with me on my way here.”
Watkins added that the day was a little stressful.
“I cried a bit, but not very much,” she said.
Returning student Suave Fitzpatrick had the unenviable task of moving in two days in a row with temperatures in the mid-90s.
Fitzpatrick moved into his first-floor room Wednesday, then helped move his best friend Brian Visor into Visor’s third-floor room Thursday.
“It’s a workout going up the steps with all the stuff,” Fitzpatrick said. “It’s not fun, but I’d do anything for my best friend.”
Wednesday and Thursday are just the beginning of a busy week for everyone at the college.
“We still have lots of students getting registered and set up, and all the action going on at housing. It’s a busy week,” Three Rivers Director of Communications Carrie Franklin said.
As of Thursday morning, Franklin said Three Rivers has 2,588 students registered for the fall semester, slightly down from more than 2,600 from the same time last fall.
Those living on campus will get to enjoy a renovated Tinnin Center, baseball and softball fields, a new science lab, and a refinished basketball court in the Libla Family Sports Complex, among other improvements.
“We’re always improving,” Franklin said.
Students will be required to wear masks indoors at Three Rivers for the second year in a row, though the restrictions are slightly looser than last school year. Those capable of socially distancing while indoors, like a teacher at the front of a classroom, will not have to wear a mask.
“I don’t think it is much of a challenge. It is something that we’re all used to,” Franklin said, adding that students did well wearing masks last year. “I expect this semester to be even less (problematic).”