A lengthy line of jam-packed vehicles slowly snaked around Bigler Road as the newest class of Nittany Lions anticipated moving into East Halls last week.

Wednesday and Thursday were the official move-in days for a record-sized class of first-year students. Though confusion, crowds and chaos were expected on these days, Lynn Dubois, associate director of the Office of Housing, said the process went well.

"We invited half of the first-year students to come on Wednesday and the other half on Thursday," Dubois explained. "Dividing students up really keeps things pretty calm."

To avoid the campus congestion, some first-year students arrived prior to the 9 a.m. check-in time.

Frank Posner (freshman-education) said he felt like a "zombie" after arriving to his dorm room at 7:30 a.m. to finish unpacking before his roommate showed up.

"My dad is old; he's a really early person," Posner said. "He woke me up at 3:30 to leave from Philly."

As an out-of-state student, Dana Morris (freshman-hospitality management) decided to pay $16 for a key to move in a day early.

"I got everything in before the mob came," Morris said.

Randy Hoffman, a Penn State police officer who directed traffic during the prime hours of move-in, said even the busiest hours were manageable.

"This is a very good year," he said. "The weather is moderate. Everyone is in a good mood."

Mel Partyka (sophomore-advertising), a Welcome Week leader, said the increase of student volunteers eased the move-in process for first-year students.

"There are a lot more students moving in this year, but it's going better because more people are helping," she said.

Dubois said everything went smoothly, partly because of the student volunteers who helped keep everyone organized.

"I received an e-mail from a parent just to say thanks for how organized everything was," she said.

Peter Rutt (freshman-business administration) agreed volunteers were an essential part of the day.

"It went well; there were a lot of helpful students," he said.

Mark Wicoff (junior-accounting and agriculture business management) also volunteered.

"I just push a cart around and ask if anyone needs help," Wicoff said of his role in orientation.

He also explained that there were harder aspects to his job, too.

"One mom broke down," he said. "I didn't know what to do, so I just stood in the corner and kind of smiled."

Partyka described a similar emotional scene.

"Moms are crying but that's the usual," she said. "All the girls walk around with red eyes because they miss their parents; it happens every year."

Robin Bergey admitted to having problems leaving her son, Matthew, for the first time at college.

"I bawled and cried hysterically all day and night yesterday," she said.

After conquering the challenge of moving in, first-year students will need to adapt to independent living at college.

"Move-in was fine," Brittany Lanctot (freshman-kinesiology) said. "The hardest part will be just adjusting to being on my own."