Excited Freshman Shay Kornfeld was moving into the dorms lastweek, carrying heavy boxes into Sierra Hall with a sorority helper,when they dropped one of the boxes, sending snacks and munchiespouring out onto the floor.

Along with the chow, a wave of 1,100 new students poured ontothe Sacramento State campus last week, bringing sofas,refrigerators, televisions, boxes overflowing with clothes, andcomputer paraphernalia &- not to mention a lot of nervousexcitement.

Freshman Toni Colleen from Santa Rosa admits, “I’m nervous aboutmeeting my roommate, (I’m) hoping we’ll get along.”

After settling in she says, “I am so relieved to have all mystuff moved in and to have met my nice roommate. But I’m stillanxious about finding my classes and starting school.”

Kornfeld was happy to see so many friendly faces his first dayand meeting new people &- even if he hasn’t met his roommateyet.

“I’m really excited about meeting my roommate, who hasn’t showedup yet. It’s a little lonely but I have the room to myself for nowanyway,” says Kornfeld, of Walnut Creek.

The apprehension over a new roommate was one of many concernsfacing the incoming residents at Sacramento State’s fivedormitories. Desmond, Draper, Jenkins, Sierra, and Sutter house1,100 students (out of the 29,000 student body), including incomingfreshmen, transfer students, national, international, and returningstudents, in which the majority moved in on Thursday.

Freshman Christina Johnson, from Walnut Creek, was impressedwith how friendly and helpful everyone was.

“People were always coming up to me, introducing themselves,”she said. “The atmosphere really made me feel comfortable aboutmoving and just being here. Moving into my dorm has reallybeen exciting.”

Johnson was relieved when she finally got settled into her newroom Thursday and met her roommate.

Most residents don’t know whom they’re rooming with until theday they arrive, but many have been matched up with roommates withsimilar interests, habits, and hobbies.

“I was a little nervous and afraid that I might not get alongwith her, but we get along just fine and have a lot in common,”Johnson says. “I’m definitely relived to be settling in.”

If the process of moving wasn’t enough to jangle the nerves ofthe new arrivals, they also had to worry about purchasing books,securing their classes and surviving the first day of schoolwithout getting lost.

Then, of course comes the schoolwork.

Colleen, who goes by “TC,” looks forward to her Public Speakingclass and the academic part, but admits her fears about classesbeing too hard.

Director of the Housing Department Cynthia D. Cockrill expresseshow thrilled she is for incoming students living on campus.

“(Move-in day) is one of the most exciting days of theacademic year. New students, returning students, and transferstudents are coming on to campus and starting (or following up) ontheir academic careers,” she said.

Cockrill acknowledges the student activity staff, and sororitiesand fraternities that helped students move in.

“It was great having over 300 parents attend the parentseminars/meetings in all five dorm halls that focused onstudent/parent transitions.”

According to Cockrill, approximately 60 percent of new studentsthat are from outside of Sacramento are living in the dorms, themajority being freshmen.

“I like the party atmosphere in Desmond and people seem to be alot friendlier here, possibly because of the co-ed mix,” sayssophomore Colleen Daily from Vallejo who’s living in Desmond Hallfor the second time this year.

“It’s definitely better this year because I know far more peopleand know the campus better,” Daily said.

Desmond Hall, the most popular dorm hall according to theHousing Department, houses approximately 95 percent freshman, withapproximately 99 percent students coming from within California.

Resident advisors of Desmond Hall Jenn Stolly, Adge Simon andMegan Shaw express how smoothly move-in day went.

“There were Greek organizations [moving things in for students]and they were a huge help,” Stolly said.

“It was fun seeing all the hugs and excitement – parents andgrandparents happy and excited for their kids, but goodbyes weresad,”says Simon.

Shaw witnessed many students already getting to know oneanother, socializing and going out together.

“Students normally form friendships and acquaintances the firstnight,” said Shaw.

According to the residential department, 85 percent of studentsliving in the dorms are first-time freshmen.

Many newcomers were anxious and afraid to meet their roommate.In fear of not getting along with them or simply not clicking,students comfortably admit their fears of meeting and living withtheir roommates.

“It’s just so exciting when everyone moves in the dorms, most ofthem being here for the first time in college and away from home,and the returning students are coming back to the dorms becausethey obviously liked living on campus last year,” says Reslinkassistant in the Housing and Residential Department SeniorMary-Ellen High.

Sophomore Jennifer Truas from San Lorenzo is staying in DesmondHall for the second time this year.

“I knew what to expect, as far as what the rules were like, whatthe dorms were like,” she said. Truas recalls being nervous lastyear about meeting her roommate, and this year awaits herroommate.

“I’m so anxious to meet her and can’t wait to see what she’slike,” she said.

An anonymous sophomore in Draper is disappointed he didn’t gethis first choice, Desmond Hall, but is happy to have met somereally friendly people and already attended a couple socialgatherings the first night.

“It’s great to meet so many new people and be in a completelynew environment.” He continues, “Change is always good.”