For some students back to school week feels natural; for others it is a completely new experience. Great Beginnings was established to help students transition into their new roles.

Beginning Saturday, Aug. 16, new students moved into their residential colleges and started their journeys at Murray State.

New students showed up early on Saturday morning to move into their rooms on campus and meet new roommates, First Year Leaders, residential adviser’s and other staff.

Jacob Wildman, former student, from St. Louis, Mo., recapped the day running smoothly with very low congestion and few complaints from parents and students.

“Move in day was busy, like expected. We had a good system of checking in students and doing paperwork.” Wildman said.

Roughly 25 volunteer staff members, residential advisers and First Year Leaders successfully moved in 90 freshmen.

Later that night, homesick feelings were put aside while students were greeted by the businesses of Murray in an event called Explore Murray. The event allowed students to browse booths set up in the CFSB Center by local businesses, restaurants and student organizations. There were 99 vendors set up to provide students with discounts, giveaways and lots of pens, Koozies and coupons.

Emily Pape, freshman from Hopkinsville, Ky. enjoyed her time at Explore Murray.

“Everyone has been really friendly and inviting; it is a great community,” Pape said.

Pape also mentioned that she visited every table set up at the event.

Monday was a day filled with campus tours and adjustment. Students were also introduced to various situations one may experience during their college experience.

Realities on Campus presented scenarios including roommate struggles to safety.

Even when classes began, the fun didn’t stop. Tuesday, students enjoyed the sights of downtown Murray where they were introduced to several local businesses and participated in a scavenger hunt, received goodie bags and registered for different prizes and giveaways.

After another full day of class, Great Beginnings continued a twenty year tradition. For 20 years, Tom Deluca has delighted and intrigued the campus with his hypnotizing acts. Students ranging from all ages took the dare to be hypnotized into performing acts on the stage of Lovett.

Tonight, the Student Government Association is sponsoring a free concert on the Quad. Students are invited to bring a blanket and more friends to watch the musical stylings of singer/songwriter Ryan Kinder.

The celebration of completing the first week extends into Saturday where students can view the “Amazing Spider-Man 2” in the Curris Center Theatre complete with free popcorn. The full schedule of events will eventually last until September. Re’Nita Avery-Meriwether, Director of Student Life and the Curris Center, is hopeful that students will continue to participate.

“This is the first year the activities have went into September.” Avery-Meriwether said. Some events to attend include: Racer Extravaganza, College 101, and multiple sporting events.

Now that students have located their classes and hopefully haven’t overslept yet it is time to settle into your role at Murray State. With numerous student organizations, Greek life, intramural sports and many other activities on campus, taking your place has never been so easy.

Story by Tiffany Whitfill, Staff writer