Boston Campus Comes Alive for Move-In Day

New Opportunities

Others described a combination of pride and worry. “I have a mix of emotions,” admitted Rebecca Cruz of New Haven, Conn., who had set out before dawn to drive her niece, a Health Sciences/Physical Therapy major Lyanna Baez, to Boston. “I’m so proud, but so nervous, too.” Lyanna, on the other hand, was already focused on personalizing her new space. She and her roommate had agreed on a sage green, white, and gold color scheme. She also brought along a homemade photo board filled with pictures of family and friends. “I’m excited to meet new people and get my career started,” she said.

At St. Julie Hall, Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” played from a speaker as families carried bags inside. Justin Young of Springfield, Mass., had just parked the car and was waiting outside while his wife and daughter, first-year pre-med student Lilian, sorted out the next steps. He was juggling another move-in as well—flying to Florida the following day to help his older daughter settle back at school. Reflecting on the moment, he said his advice to Lilian was simple: “Don’t feel alone. We’ll always be here.” Still, he acknowledged with a smile that she was “fiercely independent” and ready to handle things on her own.

'A Really Happy Time'

Inside the lobby of Fennell Hall, student volunteer Raimi Pramod, Premedical Health Studies ’26, maneuvered one of the many rolling carts overflowing with those big blue polypropylene moving bags. She had been helping since 7 a.m. “I’ve seen some tears, but that’s pretty normal,” she said. “It’s a really happy time and there are a lot of smiles, too.”

Families took their time settling in and saying goodbye. On the Palace Road sidewalk, Nigra Charles watched her daughter Ashley, Premedical Health Studies (Optometry) ’29, adjust to her new surroundings. “I’m most excited about meeting new people—and Fennell is bigger than I expected,” Ashley said. Coming from New York City, she was eager to experience life in another city. Her mother offered some parting advice: “Stay focused and don’t party too much.”

For some, the day involved especially long journeys. Outside Fennell, first-year Doctor of Pharmacy student Koen Gavgani, ‘31, stood with his mother Helena after an 11-hour drive from Virginia. “I’m so glad to be in the city and I can’t wait to meet my two roommates,” he said. “I was one of the last to leave for college out of all my friends. I hope I get good grades and make great new friends.” His mom, holding back tears, summed up the bittersweet moment: “I’m exhausted—but so proud.”