The summer calm has ended on campus, as freshmen, parents and new students flood the streets to haul duffel bags and mini fridges up the stairs of University dorms.
In between cramming into the closest possible parking space and getting lost, students have the chance to register to vote, join clubs and tour buildings.
Lucy Lyon, a freshman from Boulder, Colo., has found her way to the University of Oregon to study ceramics through the Department of Art.
Lyon’s interest of ceramics lead her to apply to 15 other universities like Arcadia University, University of Hawaii at Manoa and the University of Florida.
Although UH Manoa was her dream school, Lyon’s father wasn’t interested in paying for travel expenses. So instead, Lyon picked Oregon to follow her interests.
“Moving in was easy, I had all of my stuff in duffel bags and just dragged them up the stairs. It wasn’t hard, my dad helped me and he’s funny so it worked,” Lyon said.
Lyon mentioned some of her favorite things about Oregon and what really convinced her to enroll besides the art department.
“My favorite part is the trees. I’m a total tree-hugger, I actually hug trees,” Lyon said. “I’m also glad I’m by the coast … I love the ocean and it’s so close.”
Although Lyon was quick to compliment the University, she had a few complaints.
“I couldn’t sign up for all the classes I wanted, and now I’m upset that I can’t smoke,” Lyon said.
Lyon was unaware of the new campus-wide Smoke and Tobacco Free University protocol when coming to the University and wasn’t thrilled that she wouldn’t be able to do something she enjoyed while on campus.
“No one has told me to stop yet, but I have to hide behind trees so that I won’t get caught,” Lyon said.
Overall, Lyon was pleased with her experience thus far and was excited to have the opportunity to go on freshmen trips.
“I can’t wait to go backpacking with other freshman through the Outdoor Program,” Lyon said.