More than 1,200 students move into dorms at UBC Okanagan

KELOWNA – Nerves are running high and excitement is building for hundreds of students who moved into their new home at UBC Okanagan (UBCO) on Sunday. Nathalie Spence is one of them and it’s a big move for the Alberta teen who saw the campus for the first time as she hauled her stuff in.

“I’m super excited to meet new people because I barely know anyone here,” says 17-year-old Spence. “I’m going to work really hard in school and hopefully do well.”

Helping her get settled in was her dad, who admits he is a little nervous for his daughter – but he’s happy with her choice of post-secondary institution.

“I think it’s the right size for her,” says Russell Spence. “I know her personality pretty good and I think she’ll enjoy the size and the atmosphere at a campus this size so it’ll be good.”

Without a doubt it’s a nerve-wracking day for many of the high school graduates like Spence who are ready to take on university, but the anticipation seems to be taking over.

“Every time I start to feel nervous, the excitement just takes over because I’m so excited right now, I’m like vibrating I’m so excited,” says first year student Jessica Paisley.

High school best friends David Bond and Christian Girling are going be roommates at UBCO. Originally from Metro Vancouver, the pair are looking forward to having some independence.

While many of the UBCO’s 341 new international students arrived on campus last week, it was Sunday when more than 1,200 first years unpacked their belongings and moved into a dorm room in one of the campus’ 11 residence buildings. Helping them move in were UBCO Heat athletes.

“I think they appreciate it a lot,” says Tessa Neil, who plays on the UBCO Heat Women’s Volleyball Team. “There’s a lot of heavy stuff that’s just overwhelming and it’s a big day already so I think they enjoy the extra helping hands.”

The help was appreciated, but something the athletes can’t help with is all of the cooking and cleaning to come.
“I hate chores,” says Girling.

“We are prepared for the mess,” says Bond.

They won’t be alone: according to UBCO Media Relations, the campus’ student body is 15 per cent bigger than it was last year, with total enrollment at 8,362 students.