With the opening of a new student residence hall and dining commons, CSUDH Move-In Day was bigger and more exciting than ever this year. Almost 1,000 Toro students moved into their on-campus homes on Thursday, Aug. 20, and Saturday, Aug. 22, not letting the heat outside dampen their enthusiasm for a moment.
The excitement and anticipation were shared among students and the loved ones and friends helping them move into their new homes.
“I’m most excited about finally gaining more independence and responsibility,” said Jordynn Price, a first-year student from Los Angeles. “I’m eager to meet new people and have fun on campus. She chose to live on campus because, “I wanted to bond with the people here and be closer to school. Why not? I’m a Toro and I love being here!”
Her father, Cason Price, added, “I’m a little emotional, this is the ‘leaving the nest’ day after all. But we’re so proud of the work she’s done, we’re confident in all that she’s getting ready to do here at Dominguez Hills, so it’s exciting for us.”
Mom Kirsten Fairbanks was dropping off her first child at college. “I’m excited. If I have other emotions, I’m pushing them all down so I’m all enthusiasm and curiosity,” she laughed.
Her son Desmond Fairbanks said that being from the Bay Area, moving on campus was a no-brainer. “I live seven hours away, so it was an easy decision. I also really like the idea of living around everything you do. Everything here is pretty close, and I like that.”
Toro mom La’Porsha Strain was on campus helping one of her two twins move onto campus. “It hasn’t hit me yet,” she said. “I’ve been handling all the business, but I think I’m going to have a whole meltdown when I leave her.”
First-year Toro Aniyah Hodges said, “For me, living on campus will be a big change, because I’m the youngest kid in my family. I didn’t experience a lot of freedom growing up, so I’m excited about getting a chance to make my own life and create my own schedule. I’m looking forward to meeting new people and making lifelong friends.”
Meadow Woodward, another Bay Area native, said that for her, “Living on campus was the most financially responsible thing to do.” She added, “We drove six hours so I could move in here today! I’m excited to be in a whole new area. I’m looking forward to the independence.”
As for the new facilities themselves, “I’m so excited to introduce Phase IV to the Toro community,” said William Cooper, Interim Executive Director of University Housing. “It’s going to be a part of a significant transformation of the student experience. This facility, along with the new Dining Commons, fulfills the vision of a true residential campus experience where students will build lifelong friendships and lasting memories.”
“They reinforce that going to college is about more than just getting a degree; it’s about discovering yourself and a larger world as you journey into adulthood.”
