The population of State College increased by thousands this weekend as the freshman class of 2002-2003 moved into their dorms.

Students were allowed 15 minutes to unload their vehicles in front of East Halls during the often-strenuous move-in process.

Tina Furfari (freshman-marketing) was one of many students waiting on the curb with her belongings as her family carried bed sheets, a television and a lamp to her room.

"It's going well, surprisingly," she said. "We got here really fast. I thought traffic would be worse."

Justin Laurie (freshman-computer science) and Jim Reynolds (freshman-crime, law and justice) also had a positive unpacking experience.

"Moving in was easy because I'm on the second floor, so I didn't have to wait for the elevators," Laurie said.

Reynolds found the move simple.

"I thought it would be hard to put in place, but I put everything in drawers and set up the computer," he said.

Meg Kennedy (freshman-biology) said she felt indifferent about the college transition and listed what she and her roommate believed to be essential items for the dorm.

"The only things we brought were a TV, an answering machine and a carpet," she said.

Deb Lange, a Penn State alumna, had a different experience on move-in day as she dropped her daughter off.

"Nobody warned me," she said.

"It's the normal progression, but when the time comes, it's rough," Lange added.

Other parents found the carrying of supplies into the dorm difficult.

"It's hit or miss getting these carts," said Connie Turner, who ran up 10 flights of stairs in Pinchot Hall to claim one.

Freshmen and their helpers did not do all the moving and registration unassisted. Workers in bright yellow "Welcome Weekend" T-shirts milled around East Halls, offering help and information.

"We point them in the direction of the check-in line and Rescom," said Jason Thompson (sophomore-division of undergraduate studies), a member of the East Halls Residence Association.