School Buzz on the Road: UCCS welcomes students for move-in day

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) - The back-to-school season isn't just about younger students heading back to the classroom. College students across Colorado are also getting ready for a new school year, and at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), move-in day marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

For incoming freshmen, the first day on campus can bring a mix of excitement and nerves.

“Nothing can calm those move-in jitters quite like the stunning view of Pikes Peak,” KRDO13’s Julia Donovan joked as she explored campus Monday.

For many first-year students, it’s full steam ahead as they get settled into new surroundings and prepare to dive into college life.

Incoming freshman nursing student Annabelle Simmons said she’s already received some advice for navigating her first year.

“Just to stay ahead of your work,” Simmons said.

After checking in at the UCCS Arts Center, students headed to their new dorms to unpack and settle in.

The first week on campus is packed with activities designed to help students get comfortable, meet new people and make memories.

But even with all the excitement, some students are still working through the nerves.

“I’m so scared,” incoming freshman Mia Kovney admitted.

But Mia is taking advice from her sister to find a balance between academics and having fun.

“I need to do my homework and stay in, and she’s like, ‘Go out, like, do fun stuff sometimes,’” Kovney giggled, agreeing she'll do her best to find time for both.

And while students are learning to navigate a new level of independence, parents are adjusting, too.

Anthony Spratley, the father of a UCCS freshman, joked about one of the challenges of communicating with teenagers.

It seems some of these students will have a bit of growing up to do over the next four years!

“I overheard you say something about someone not checking their email?” Donovan asked.

“I think UCCS communicated effectively. It’s just that, you know how teenagers are,” Spratley laughed.

With the resources, support and community available at UCCS, students will surely come out better than they entered on move-in day.

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