Move-in: Lots of helpers make move-in day work

People in red t-shirts stand with red carts in front of a residence hall.

Badger Buddies have red carts at the ready outside Witte Residence Hall. Photo: Althea Dotzour

There’s no shortage of people who pitch in to make move-in day work at the University of Wisconsin–Madison: parents, house fellows, Badger Buddy volunteers, University Housing employees, along with Bucky Badger and UW Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin.

During this week’s move-in, they’re all there to push carts, carry boxes, offer advice and provide support on an emotional day, especially for students off to college for the first time.

And of course, at the center of it all are the students.

“[Move-in day] is a whole lot more than moving furniture around and setting up a futon; it is an opportunity to decide what kind of student and person you want to be in this new environment,” says Shu Kai Tan, a Badger Buddy helping out at Sellery Hall.

Here’s a look at their roles.

Here to help: Badger Buddies, house fellows and Housing employees

These folks have been through move-in before, so they know what support is required — physical labor, of course, but also advice, like where should you set up your desk, what’s the best place to eat, how many times should you text your parents each day.

“Most residents will be meeting me, their roommate (if they have a roommate) and their neighbors for the first time during move-in, and it is very important to me that I help kick these new relationships off to a great start, setting the foundation for a fantastic year,” says Benjamin Johnson, a house fellow and also a Badger Buddy volunteer in Waters Residence Hall.

Support of all kinds: Family helps get the job done

This might be the most difficult job, as parents seek to be supportive without being too intrusive. They’re there to remind you to study, and to make your bed once in a while and to remember to reach out to your advisor. And of course, there’s a touch of melancholy in this role on move-in day, as they’ll be returning to a home that’s suddenly a little quieter.

“The house is going to be different without her,” was a common refrain.

Students

And this is what it’s all about — the students. Their story is just beginning, and this day is full of emotions.

“I have almost the exact same feeling during move-in day that I had during the first time that I moved into a residence hall,” Johnson says. “There is an incredible mixture of excitement and nervousness in the air during move-in.”

Chancellor Mnookin pitched in with move-ins across campus

Chancellor Jennifer L. Mnookin was on the scene to welcome students and their families — and to pitch in.

Chancellor Mnookin pushes a red moving cart filled with belongings across a parking lot. She's talking with a new student who has his hands full.

What better greeting than having the chancellor push your move-in cart? Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin helps new student Will Kingston of Boston move into Witte Residence Hall. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Chancellor Mnookin talks with two other people unpacking belongings.

Mnookin welcomes Badger alumni and parents Michael and Ellen Carlson as they help their son Henrik Carlson move into Sellery Residence Hall. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Surrounded by move-in supplies and belongings, Chancellor Mnooking speaks with parents of UW students.

Mnookin welcomes family members helping as their new student moves into Sellery Residence Hall. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Pictured from behind, Chancellor Mnookin speaks with a new student pushing a suitcase outside a residence hall.

Mnookin welcomes new student Jai Deans of Atlanta as Deans moves into Witte Residence Hall. Photo by: Jeff Miller

Chancellor Mnookin stands with students and their families in a dorm room. They're all making a W sign with their hands and smiling at the camera.

Mnookin poses for a photo during move-in with new student roommates Kathryn Johnson of Cedarburg, far left, and Maya Kannel of Oconomowoc, second from left, as well as members of their respective families in Sellery Residence Hall. Photo by: Jeff Miller

The secret ingredient: Bucky Badger

Oh yes — one more move-in day ingredient is Bucky Badger, who helps bring all the returning students back into the Badger community with his antics.