Published: Aug. 25, 2017

Som Aryal pushes a moving cart to help his son,Sohan Aryal, a freshman mechanical engineering major from Aurora, right, move in to Hallett Hall. Sohan also got help moving from his sister, Suhani, and mother Merina and volunteer David Schofield. (Photo by Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado)

Som Aryal pushes a moving cart to help his son, Sohan Aryal, move into Hallett Hall. Sohan also got helpfrom his sister, Suhani; mother Merina; and volunteer David Schofield. (Photo by Glenn Asakawa/University of Colorado)

For welcoming and moving in thousands of first-year students, it takes thousands of helping hands and a bit of patience. With dogged excitement, the campus community has provided just that this past week, resulting in a smooth and successful transition for countless families.

See the photo gallery or watch a time-lapse video to get a taste of this year's move-in celebration.

Staff members, returning students, campus leadership and even congressional and city officials totaling about 1,200 volunteers helped lighten the heavy lift with their eager participation. Most donning Buff gear, they cheerily greeted families, swiftly unloaded cars and carefully moved boxes, not without visits from the spirited Chip.

"Move-in 2017 was an incredible success," said Christina Gonzales, vice chancellor for Student Affairs. "Thank you to all the faculty, staff, students and community members who were a part of it. Your efforts help create a welcoming environment for our students and families from day one."

This year, the schedule for students to move into their residence halls was organized by college and academic program. In standard fashion, families arrived on campus at allotted times to find quick-drop stations.

"We loved this system," said Aurora Stein on the campus Facebook page. Stein is the parent of a first-year student. "Thank you to all the volunteers. They were amazing yesterday!"

Additional comments in social media about move-in were positive and even nostalgic including, "Got me cogitating on my arrival at Libby Hall in autumn 1968," and "Thank you to all the volunteers and RA's who made today a smooth transition!"

But the CU Boulder welcome traditions do not end when the last box is delivered to its residence hall destination. Including Convocation and Taste of CU on Aug. 25, Welcomefest on Aug. 26 and the Be Involved Fair on Aug. 30, countless free activities (and volunteer opportunities) through Sept. 1 are yet to help students kick off their CU Boulder careers.

For more information on Fall Welcome visit New Student & Family Programs.