Fresno State comes alive as students move into residence halls

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- They came with shopping carts full of clothes, pushing couches and lugging bags of household items at Fresno State's move-in day. On Friday, hundreds of students moved into the residence halls on campus, some moving away from home for the first time like freshman Junior Williams.

"It's hectic. A lot of people running around, getting bags and stuff up the stairs," said Williams.

Williams and his parents were among the many families taking an empty space and making it home again. The incoming freshman is from Vacaville and chose to go to Fresno State for his education and the athletics. His mom says it's a bittersweet change.

"It's three hours, so it's manageable," said Robyn Williams. "It's a good distance, it's a little distance but close enough that I can come see him, which I've already asked to come see him Labor Day weekend."

Dozens of student groups volunteered their time to help students move their belongings into the dorms. For some veteran students, they were prepared for the small space.

"Minimize everything. I managed to fit everything I need onto this one shelf, and then I wheel it in and I'm usually unloaded within an hour and 30 minutes, and I'm ready to go grab lunch," said student Montanna Tarkington.

One of the big highlights of move-in day was an appearance by university President Dr. Joseph Castro, his wife and Victor E. -- the Fresno State mascot. Students took pictures and met the president. Castro says it's an exciting time of year, and he can't wait to see what these future Bulldogs will accomplish.

As for Williams, he knows this is just the start of a new chapter in his life.

"I don't know, just meet new people, new experience, getting away, so it'll be fun," said Williams.

Nearly 1,000 students will call the residence halls their home away from home for the next year. Students say they're excited to start school on Tuesday.