The countdown is on!  Only a couple short weeks left until your journey begins at Mount A. You are probably feeling mixed emotions at this point. Happy to start something new and exciting, but nervous to begin this journey alone. Nonetheless, you got this; you are going to do great and flourish! Move-in day is an experience, to say the least. But do not fret this is what this blog is for, to prepare you for an unforgettable experience that will be filled with laughs and tears (whether their tears of joy, stress, or sadness).  

It was about 8 in the morning when I left with my Mom and Dad in our car. I live in Dartmouth ,Nova Scotia, so it was only a two-hour drive to get to Mount A. I was squished between my winter clothes and bedding. I swear I had about a million butterflies in my stomach the entire way. When the “Welcome to Sackville, Home of Mount Allison University” sign passed by my window, that’s when it hit me. We came off the exit and not within a minute did I see university students waving their arms, cheering, and with so many signs directing us where to go. They all looked so happy to have some new faces to show around the town. To control traffic, they have specific ways you must go but it is nice because you get a little tour of Sackville. The town was beautiful. Small but cozy. I could see myself living here for the next four years. We pulled up to Campbell Hall, the biggest residence at Mount Allison University, along with three other cars. Got to hand it to the Logistics Committee, they knew how to zip you in and out. Before I had a second to take a couple of deep breaths and tell myself I was going to be fine, all our car doors whipped open, and happy excited people started grabbing my stuff. Everyone helping was decked out in green and yellow, Campbells’ colours. Music was blaring and a kind residence assistant (or, RA) showed me the way. I signed in and received my room key and Campbell shirt and by the time I was done with that, everything - and I mean EVERYTHING - was outside my room. Third floor on the right-wing, 321. I was so overwhelmed, but I couldn’t wait to wave my parents goodbye. I didn’t recognize anyone but knew they were all going to become my friends and be a family away from home. Leave it to my Dad to whip out his laser pointer to start putting up decorations in my room so it would feel more like home. Volunteers mistook my Dad to be a worker for Mount A since he was repping a nice polo Mount A shirt. That is a memory I will never forget. Not soon after my parents got back in the car and left to go home. It was a bittersweet feeling, I mean now no one will tell me to make my bed in the morning. The social chairs of Campbell Hall started gathering all the first years and walked us to the meal hall. This is where my journey at Mount A began and where I met some of my best friends.  

I could not imagine going to any other university. It is a home away from home and I think anyone that goes there would agree with me. I know it can scary but sometimes a bit of fear is good. You have so many people to meet at Mount A and that will have an impact on you and vice versa. Make friends with everyone, have fun, don’t sweat the small stuff because before you know it, you’ll be a fourth-year student and wishing you could do it all over again. Best of luck and don’t be afraid to be yourself.  

Written by Julie Dessureault, a fourth-year student and member of the Logistics committee of Orientation.