Photos: Wildcats moving into dorm dens
The University of Arizona campus bustled with activity Friday as gaggles of new and returning students arrived for the start of the fall semester next week.
For some, it will be their first time in a college classroom. For many it will be their first time living away from home.
Incoming students and their families flooded the dorms, bookstores and restaurants near the university, marking the end of Tucson's summer doldrums.
Although some students may choose to live off campus while attending UA, many prefer to live in dorms to experience the full campus lifestyle—in addition to cheaper housing while in school.
"I chose to live in the Coconino dorms because it has a kitchen where I can cook and also provides free laundry services," said undeclared freshman Dillon Dinter, who traveled from Chicago to attend UA.
Dinter said that moving into the dorms was "kind of hectic" but that he was able to move all of his things in two hours.
Many new students were accompanied by their parents or other family members while getting organized and settled before the start of classes.
"Alex is my last kid, so I am a pro at this now," said Kathy Flatley from California, who helped her son move into his dorm.
Alex Flatley, who will be studying pre-business, said that he chose to go to UA because he wanted to attend a larger school that had a decent football team.
"This is my first year here so I am really excited." said Callie Morrocco, an incoming freshman from Maryland. "One of the reasons I chose this school was because of the weather."
Her father, John Morrocco, said that he helped her move into her dorm.
"It was a lot of fun, especially in 100-degree heat," he said with a smile.