University of Missouri students move in ahead of the fall semester

COLUMBIA Mo (KMIZ)

Move-in for the University of Missouri began Wednesday morning, and will continue Thursday.

Thousands of students are expected to move in this week.

MU says that with so many people in the area, to expect some traffic delays. MU is making several roads in the area one way. Barricades will be put up to help direct incoming students and their families.

According to MU spokesman Christian Basi, there are 5,000 students in the freshman class, and 70% to 80% of those students move in Wednesday and Thursday. The rest of those students moved in on early move-in day on Saturday. Basi recommends avoiding the campus area unless necessary on Wednesday and Thursday to avoid traffic delays.

This is happening as Rollins Street is closed between College Avenue and Hitt Street. The road is expected to be closed until the middle of October.

MU is warning those driving to be prepared for traffic along the roads surrounding campus. This includes Hospital Drive near College Avenue, College Avenue to Ashland Road and Tiger Avenue near Stadium Boulevard.

Even with the road closure, students and families say that moving in went smoothly due to the volunteers' help and the signs that helped guide them through campus efficiently.

"There are signs everywhere, I got to leave my car in the closest parking lot and go back and forth," freshman Cassie Kessler said. "It was just such a smooth and easy process and if I did ever have trouble, I always had someone that could help."

Kessler's roommate -- freshman Ellie Gibbs -- said the signs were so helpful, that she was able to turn off her navigation map and follow the signs.

There is a move-in map available on the University's website. MU suggests downloading the map for your residence hall and using it instead of a GPS when arriving on campus due to all the road changes.

"All the signs were very helpful. We turned off the map when we got here and followed all the signs to our hallway," Gibbs said.

MU student Kendall Fuller directed traffic on Wednesday. He said there were around 50 volunteers to help unload cars and help students move in as quickly and smoothly as possible. Volunteers will help students unload and then direct them to temporary parking to help the flow of traffic.

Move-in appointments begin at 8:15 a.m. and run until 7 p.m. Thursday.