Early Thursday morning, students from all across the country began filing into campus to embark on a new chapter in their lives. Roads were blocked off, police officers were scattered throughout the campus, and the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District had altered its routes, all in an effort to make Move-in Day 2010 go as smoothly as possible.

With so many students arriving around the same time, volunteering is necessary for the process to work. Approximately 800 students participated as I-Guides, or student volunteers for Move-in Day. Nicole Kinnerk, sophomore in LAS, worked as an I-Guide for the first time Thursday. She said she juggled many responsibilities at once.

“As people are coming in, I basically direct them, telling them what they’re doing in regards to parking and helping unload all of their stuff,” Kinnerk said.

Steven Marks, sophomore in Engineering, helped move luggage at Illinois Street Residence hall. He said he believes that students deeply appreciate the help the I-Guides provide.

“I remember last year, moving in you were feeling all nervous and it’s really a hassle to be the only one moving all your belongings in,” Marks said. “Even if it’s only for one trip, everyone bringing your stuff up for you helps take stress away from the whole day. I think that anything that makes the transition easier is just awesome.”

Marks also mentioned that his work with the I-Guides can help show students “this is a fun place to be.”

One of the beneficiaries of the I-Guide program this year was Griffin Moore, freshman in LAS. He said he was a bit surprised at how efficient his move was.

“It’s actually been a lot better than I expected; a lot calmer. I got here about 8 a.m. expecting to wait in a line for an hour, hoping to get in maybe around nine, “ Moore said. “I got right through, everyone was helpful.”

Though Thursday is the most significant move-in date, certain residents of University Housing move in on other dates. Kirsten Ruby, assistant director of University Housing, described the staggered move-in schedule.

“Our Living-Learning Communities moved in on Tuesday, (Thursday) is the day for our new incoming students,” Ruby said. “Saturday is when we ask returning students to come back. We’ve offered early arrivals since Sunday at noon.”

Ruby then said why the move-in date for returning students is relatively late.

“The Monday start to classes is not new and novel anymore, so we’re thinking a lot of returning residents are waiting until Saturday to come in,” Ruby said. “In the past, they may have tried to move in on Thursday or Friday. They’re still welcome too, but we’d like if they waited until Saturday.”

One major setback to the day’s progress occurred on Interstate 57, where a semi-truck rolled over and caught on fire, Kinnerk said. The accident delayed many students heading south towards campus. Kinnerk said she believed this deterrent didn’t impact the moods of the families who got stuck.

“Even though some people were stuck in their cars for over four hours, they were still extremely nice when they got here and were very calm and patient with us,” Kinnerk said.

Each student experiences the day their own way, taking away some memorable moment. Sam Dewey, freshman in LAS, explained what he was most excited about.

“Being away from my parents,” Dewey said. “It feels good to be on your own.”