From the moment Evan Stoica first set foot on Brock’s campus, he knew he had found his fit.

His visits had told him the University was the place he wanted to not only study, but also call home.

The first-year Concurrent Education student got his wish this weekend as one of more than 2,700 Badgers who moved into Brock’s eight residences, which are operating at capacity this fall.

An aspiring math teacher, Stoica was first drawn to Brock for its academic offerings but soon learned he loved many elements of the institution.

The Stoica family, including (from left) mom Andreea, son Evan, daughter Neeva and dad Magdin were enthusiastic about helping Evan move into a Brock residence on Sunday, Sept. 1.

“First of all, Brock has one of the best Concurrent Education programs in Canada. This was my first-choice university,” the Milton resident said after delivering his belongings to his new residence room alongside his parents and sister. “But the campus here is also so beautiful, the people are so nice and the school is just the right size, not massive.

“I knew this was the only place I wanted to go,” Stoica said. “From the moment I came here, I was like ‘I love this University. This is the place where I want to be. This is home.’”

And that’s the feeling Brock staff and student volunteers strived for as they welcomed the University’s newest arrivals this weekend, helping them to find both their residence rooms and their footing on campus.

“This is a new experience for many of the students moving into residence. They have a lot of questions and we’re ready to help them with the answers,” said Cindy Chernish, Director, Housing Services.

Abby Teare, however, knew what to expect.

The Game Design student returned to residence for her second consecutive year.

“It’s really nice to be on campus and to be so close to everything you need,” said the St. Thomas resident.

Another major benefit? “Not having to cook,” Teare said with a laugh, adding she enjoys taking advantage of the residence dining hall and other on-campus food options.

Teare’s time in residence during her first year prompted her to get out and get involved on campus from the get-go, making lasting friendships as a result.

With the help of her mom, Abby Teare (right) moves into a Brock residence for her second consecutive year.

“I made eye contact with someone the first day at one of the events and now we’re best friends,” she said.

Chernish said Brock staff take pride in being a part of this special time in students’ lives, as they create unforgettable memories and begin building their future careers.

“Campus comes to life with an unmatched energy when we welcome students each fall,” she said. “We can’t wait to help see them through yet another successful school year.”

Move-in Weekend kicked 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.