MacEwan University residence fills up as students return back to school

It's either the most exciting or nerve-wracking time of the year — depending on whether you're a student or a parent.

Tyson Vey, 17, was feeling a mix of emotions as he prepared to move into student residence at MacEwan University on  a chilly Sunday.

Originally from Strathmore, it's his first year in the Bachelor of Science program and he's not quite sure what to expect from university or residence life.

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Vey, who hopes to become an optometrist some day, said none of his friends back home are joining him at MacEwan.

He's OK with that.

"I just kind of wanted to get out of the town and into the city," he said. "The room's a bit bigger than I was expecting, so that's nice.

"I think there's going to be lots of studying, hopefully lots of partying too."

I think there's going to be lots of studying, hopefully lots of partying too.- Tyson Vey, first-year MacEwan University student

Vey is one of around 600 students who moved into MacEwan's student residence on Sunday. The school expects more than 100 more students to move in before the semester starts this week. 

MacEwan spokesman Tim Lade said planning for the mass move-in started 10 months ago. Considering the amount of students moving in at once, he said things go pretty smoothly — a "herd" of staff and volunteers were on hand to usher new students into their new digs, he said.

Lade said about four per cent of the residence is still available for any students who might need last-minute accommodations. 

As red trolleys filled with sheets, dishware and clothing rolled by, Lade said it's a big day for everyone roaming the residence's halls.

"Pretty common thing is parents who are not too excited to see their kids move on and move into residence for the first time," Lade said. "But I think everyone realizes that's a normal part of moving up in the world and moving into university for the first time."

Parents Karen and Jeff Delaney made sure Vey came prepared for school with all the essentials — including a family-sized box of KD, and a coffee maker.

"We were trying to make sure he had everything. I think maybe he has too much stuff and we might have to take some stuff back with us," Karen said. "But it's exciting. It's a big new adventure for him. For me it's sad and happy and exciting as well."

Jeff can't help but think of his own experience in university and said he'll be reliving that vicariously through Vey.

"They were good times," he said. "I think he's going to have a good time and learn lots. He's a smart kid, a good kid, he's got a good head on his shoulders, so I think he'll do just fine."