Before hitting the books and tackling assignments, thousands of students will first begin their Brock journey by wrangling boxes, trolleys and a mix of emotions.

More than 2,700 Badgers will move into the University’s residences on Saturday, Aug. 31 and Sunday, Sept. 1, with Brock staff available to help them navigate each step in this new chapter of their lives.

An annual tradition, Move-in Weekend marks the unofficial start of the new school year, with new and returning students settling into their home away from home in preparation for Fall Term.

The new arrivals are welcomed to campus by hundreds of Brock staff and students who not only assist with the heavy lifting but also offer guidance on all aspects of university life to help make the transition easier.

“Moving in general can be a stressful experience, but leaving home for the first time adds another layer to the equation, both for students and their families,” says Cindy Chernish, Director, Housing Services. “We’re here to offer peace of mind for everyone involved by highlighting the supports available to help them through this challenging and exciting time in their lives.”

In addition to available supports, a variety of departments will be open this weekend to help students find their footing on campus, including Dining, Parking, IT Help Desk, Brock Card, Campus Store and the Walker Sports Complex.

Move-in Weekend comes on the heels of the University hosting the athletes’ village for the World Rowing Championships held in St. Catharines from Aug. 18 to 25.

“Our dedicated team of Brock employees is working hard to transition our residences from an inviting space for international competitors to a welcoming home for students,” Chernish says. “It’s a co-ordinated effort that takes considerable planning, but it allows us to open our doors to the world and to showcase all the University has to offer.”

To manage the flow of traffic on campus and within residence buildings, Move-in Weekend operates like a well-choreographed dance, with each student provided a one-hour window to move between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

All of Brock’s eight residences will be operating at capacity for the Fall Term, with options for both undergraduate and graduate students in any year of study. The University guaranteed a space in residence to full-time undergraduate students in any year of study who applied and paid the residence application fee by the June deadline.

Move-in Weekend kicks off Brock’s packed Welcome Week lineup, which runs until Sunday, Sept. 8 and includes a variety of events and activities hosted by the University as well as the Brock University Students’ Union and Graduate Students’ Association. Among the highlights is the New Student Welcome and Academic Orientation, a live burn fire-safety demonstration, consent workshops and the annual Brock Cares Day of Service, which will see Brock students and employees head out into the community to volunteer with a variety of organizations.