Emotions are running the gamut this week for new college freshman and their parents.
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus is buzzing with activity as thousands of new students from all corners of the globe get settled into their new dorms beginning Monday.
The University is welcoming students from 49 states and over 60 countries as they make the heart of Minneapolis their new home, and for some parents? That means saying goodbye for now.
"I'm excited for her. It's going to be beautiful weather today. It's really fun. So yeah," says one parent.
"Things are going very well actually. We moved in this morning and it was quite smooth, at Frontier at least," another told WCCO's Taylor Rivera.
For some parents, it's bittersweet.
"Excited and nervous, happy for them, but nervous. I'm going to save the tears till I get home," said one mom.
The campus is alive with moving vans and boxes as thousands of new students arrive to move in to their dorms all this week. They welcome a total of 12,000 new students just this year on campus.
It definitely comes with a global flair, with students arriving from as far away as India.
"We're coming from India, so dropping him off is the first time he's going off home," said one student's father. "So maybe sadness, probably when I go back home. Maybe we'll feel that, but now he's excited, so we're excited for him."
About 70% of the incoming class is from Minnesota, while the other 30% comes from 49 states and over 60 countries.
This year’s move-in week is happening as University custodians and cafeteria workers consider a strike which could disrupt the normal routines. A vote on that strike is expected soon.