More Than 3,500 Students Take Part in Move-In 2013

St.  John’s University welcomed new and returning resident students to its three New York City campuses during a lively, event-filled Move-In Weekend.

The theme for the August 31–September 1 move-in was “Welcome Home.” “This year’s theme is apt, because this University is a second home to our students as they become part of the St. John’s family—now and for the rest of their lives,” said Kathryn Hutchinson, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs.

Vividly demonstrating this spirit, members of the Class of 2017 began their first week at St. John's by launching a new University tradition: at the Queens campus, they gathered in the shape of a giant "SJU"; on Staten Island, they formed the number "17."

Also reflecting the spirit of the occasion, Rev. Joseph L. Levesque, C.M., St. John’s Interim President, was on hand on Saturday to greet new students and their families.  Joining Residence Life staff at the Queens campus, Fr. Levesque and Martha Hirst, Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Treasurer, rode through the Residence Village, handing out water bottles to students and parents. “Their presence helped new students feel right at home from the moment they stepped on campus,” said Eric Finkelstein, Director of Residence Life.

On the Queens campus, nearly 1,500 new freshmen arrived on Saturday, August 31, and more than 1,700 returning and graduate students moved into campus housing the following day. At Staten Island, roughly 200 students moved into the apartment-style housing on Sunday, September 1. The Manhattan campus welcomed 157 residents.

This year’s move-in was even smoother than in previous years, said Jackie Lochrie, Dean for Student Services. “We created an online express, check-in feature that allowed students to print their check-in and eligibility confirmations at home,” she explained.

Along with their housing assignments, students received a link to a 2013 Move-In Survival Guide. “We put everything in we thought entering freshmen would want and need to know,” said Lochrie, “including instructions about what to bring to campus.”

Once again this year, Residence Life offered a full slate of festive and useful activities. Inaugurating a new tradition, students at all campuses received St. John’s pennants incorporating the University’s new logo. At the Queens campus, the annual “Week of Wow” welcome began on Saturday with an icebreaker on the Great Lawn. A blow-out block party and BBQ followed in the Residence Village, featuring “street vendors” offering students popcorn, cotton candy and other treats.

On Staten Island, a restaurant-catered dinner welcomed students and families Sunday evening, and Manhattan resident students received Not for Tourist Guidebooks and a 10 percent discount to a nearby Bed, Bath & Beyond.

The new residents—and their parents—were pleased with their move-in experience. “I couldn’t believe how little time it took to check in,” said Navit Figuereo ’17CPS, a Boston native. “I’m as excited today as I was when I first visited the campus.” According to Stefan Chong ‘17C, a 6’ 9” basketball hopeful from the Bronx, NY, the move-in guide “saved me from packing tons of unnecessary items.”

Returning resident students also were enthusiastic about the move-in process. As Marcus Evertt ’16CPS, a sport management major from Stonington, CT, said, “It’s great to be back!”