Helping hands abounded at The College at Southeastern’s first official “move-in day.”

As approximately 50 new college freshmen arrived to Southeastern’s campus this morning, over 100 volunteers milled around, waiting to help unload vehicles and trailers full of dorm supplies. The new students – most of whom expected to have a full day of carrying boxes into their new rooms – found themselves sitting amid piles of their things within minutes of their arrival.

Sarah Snow, a new freshman from Morganton, N.C., said she was overwhelmed with the number of people who showed up to help move her and her things into the girls’ dorm, Lolley Hall. She said that after arriving around 10 a.m., all of her things were in her room to be unpacked and put away before 10:30.

To see a slideshow of pictures from move-in day, please click here.

Another new freshman said that in addition to her family, she had also brought along her boyfriend and best friend to help move her into the dorms, only to find herself empty-handed as she entered her room for the first time. Volunteers from the college, seminary and community had pitched in and unloaded her vehicles immediately upon arriving.

The volunteers ranged from fellow college students, to seminary students, to staff and professors. Josh Reid, a rising senior at the college, was one of the many pairs of hands on-site to help new students move in.

“I just want to meet people and make them feel welcome,” Reid said. “A lot of the students walk around with a lost look because they don’t know anyone or where to go – I want to help make them feel welcome.” Reid said he was also one of the many volunteers from local churches, representing the college ministry at Richland Creek Community Church.

Amanda Kelly, director of Residence Life in Goldston and Lolley Halls., said there were 10 churches represented as part of the volunteer base for move-in day. Although it was the first year for an official college move-in day, she said there was a number of people that showed to help unload cars and make new students feel welcome.

In addition to professors and churches making students feel welcome, fellow students also did whatever they could to welcome the new college kids. Sophomore Ryan Ingram made pancakes this morning for his riser – or group of 18 guys – living in Goldston, Kelly said.

“I think it’s so great to see all these people out here helping,” said Billy Driver, an M.Div. student, as he carried boxes into Lolley. “This is the body of Christ coming together to help. That is the gospel being worked out.”