Watching box-laden freshmen move into East Halls Saturday, sophomore Alex Concepcion recalled his own move a year ago.

"All freshmen wear lanyards, and super freshmen wear it backwards," Concepcion (sophomore-interdisciplinary digital studio) said, laughing . "The parents say, 'Don't go, don't leave me!' "

In order to facilitate the move-in of thousands of freshmen to University Park each year, a large group of volunteers join university employees to help make the day run smoothly, said Tom McAdoo, manager of housing operations.

Moving about 4,300 freshmen into East Halls takes a lot of planning, McAdoo said, adding this weekend went smoothly -- "like it always does."

"Every comment I've had from a parent was about how easy it was to move in," he said.

Tom Nealon (freshman-environmental engineering) said he was satisfied with his housing situation after moving into South Halls.

"I'm happy with my dorm, and everyone on my floor is really cool," he said Saturday.

Esteban Luna (sophomore-biochemistry and molecular biology), who is a resident assistant for the third floor of McKean Hall, echoed the sentiment.

"This year is very smooth, and freshmen seem very social," he said.

Luna noted the wealth of information he and other RAs were set to cover at a move-in meeting for freshmen Saturday night, going over university policies, dorm security, roommate relationships and swine flu precautions.

Luna said they would also feature icebreakers to help floormates get to know each other.

Check-in assistant Andrea Edwards (senior-health policy and administration) was stationed at Findlay Commons on Saturday. She said the move-in process was so efficient because of the large number of students working together.

Most students were checked in by 4 p.m. Saturday, likely because of a desire to move in quickly, she said.

But the computer store in Findlay Commons felt the strain of so many freshmen trying to purchase supplies before classes began, employee Jake Meissner (senior-English) said they experienced -- "hordes and hordes of people all day long."

Students attended the President's New Student Convocation in the Bryce Jordan Center on Saturday night, which featured singing by Penn State a cappella group Essence of Joy and presentations by school officials and student leaders.

Penn State President Graham Spanier welcomed and spoke to the freshmen following their cheers of "We are Penn State!"

Anna Serio (freshman-communications) said she was overwhelmed by the convocation's turnout.

"I was surprised to see all the people," she said. "It was crazy to see everyone in the Bryce Jordan Center."