Excitement reigns as students move to Boston campus for fresh start
It’s move-week on the Boston campus. Thousands of students are moving into their dorms — many for the first time.
It’s been a week of firsts for incoming Northeastern University student Matthew Garcia-Vasquez.
It’s his first time in Boston. His first time on Northeastern’s campus. And, of course, his first time moving into college.
The Texas native acknowledged that traveling thousands of miles away from home for college in a city he’s never ever been to was a bit of a “shot in the dark.” But he said he was confident the risk would be worth it considering that Northeastern was his top choice for school.
A first-year civil engineering major, Garcia-Vasquez was attracted to Northeastern for its strong co-op program, with its opportunities for experiential learning, and its location in the heart of Boston, he said.
“I would love to explore this city,” Garcia-Vasquez told Northeastern Global News after unpacking his fall clothes, toiletries, and laptop which were among the belongings he brought to his new dorm in the East Village residence hall.
Joining him were his parents Jose, who was rocking a Northeastern-branded t-shirt, and his mom Veronica.
“We threw him a graduation party and we were all wearing Northeastern shirts and hats,” the senior Garcia-Vasquez said. “We all in for him.”
His son is among the thousands of students moving onto the Boston campus and across the university’s global network this week as the Sept. 9 start of the new academic year fast approaches.
Relocating to campus is just one of the many activities that will herald the new semester.
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On Sept. 8, first year students will attend convocation, and have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities during Welcome Week, including a club fair showcasing all the groups students can join, a silent dance party, and a barbeque on Centennial Common.
Jared Sylvia, a foreman for Olympia, one of the companies Northeastern contracts with to help assist students during move-in, said this time of year can be a little hectic.
“It can be a little chaotic, but it’s awesome,” Slyvia said, as he directed students to their dorms.
While some students traversed the country and the globe to get to campus, others didn’t have to travel too far from home.
Michael Sassine, a first-year economics and business administration, grew up in Westwood – around 24 miles south of Boston – and for years has had Northeastern on his radar.
“It’s actually the first school I visited,” Sassine explained while his parents helped him unload his belongings — including clothing and electronics from the trunk of their car. “The business school is very high quality and it was the best option on the table.”
Sassine added he was excited to join student clubs on campus, particularly ones focused on business and filmmaking, a hobby he enjoys doing on the side.
“I’m really passionate about filmmaking,” Sassine said, noting that he would like to potentially assist in broadcasting some sporting events on campus.
Between picking up boxes and pushing hampers, Sassine’s dad, Amir, highlighted that his son had worked hard to get into Northeastern, and that he was glad he wasn’t too far away from home.
“I’m sure he’s great future in this environment,” the father said. “And with no traffic, he’s only half an hour away.”
Growing up in the small town of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, 137 miles west of Boston, Vincent Desrochers, a first year business administration student, said he was looking forward to living in the city and the opportunity to join a host of fun activities.
His mom, Ann, who was helping him move into his dorm in Speare Hall concurred.
“He needs to see and hear from other people and expand his horizons,” she said, as she pushed a hamper full of his belongings to his dorm. “It’s a strong school, so I’m happy he got in.”
For Jacob Rizk, a second year transfer student majoring in mechanical engineering, what buoyed him the most was how pumped all the students appeared to be about attending Northeastern. The excitement and energy were palpable.
“People rub off on you no matter what, and have a positive attitude about the school … gives you a much better experience,” he said.
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