It's a day not just about moving boxes, but about moving students into their new home-away-from-home. As we warmly welcomed the Class of 2028 to Flagler College, we welcomed the next generation of history-makers, and the stage was set for lifelong memories.
Ponce Breezeway | President Delaney waving as he enters Ponce on Move-In Day
"Move-in is always great, it just brings a big burst of energy to the campus," President John Delaney said. "I've seen a lot of smiling faces and teary parents."
The Ponce | Students and families carry boxes up lobby staircase
Ponce Lobby | Move-In volunteer walking down the stairs of Ponce
At Flagler College, Move-In Day is anything but ordinary. Students and families gradually fill the historic campus, breathing new life into a building with over 130 years of history. Once the grand Hotel Ponce de Leon, Ponce Hall is renowned for its Spanish Renaissance-inspired architecture and design.
Last year, the East Wing underwent renovations and restoration, blending modern amenities with the timeless charm of this former luxury hotel.
Men's Basketball team and head coach pause volunteering to pose for group photo
Ponce East | Student-athlete & VP of Flagler's HR, Kelly Toaston volunteering
Each year, Flagler College Athletics teams show out in droves to help new students unpack their cars and move into their home-away-from-home. These dedicated student-athletes are joined by dozens of supportive volunteers, ranging from engaged alumni to campus staff, all eager to assist and welcome the newcomers and their families.
Family helps their student unload belongings on Move-In Day
Breezeway | Mom smiling at daughter as they enter Ponce
Cedar Hall | Alumni parents sendoff daughter and share their Flagler love story
Move-In Day is a wonderful moment to meet the families of Flagler’s newest history-makers. Last week, proud parents and siblings added to the campus excitement, making the day even more special.
Lewis the Lion meets a "baby Saint" in the Student Center
Another "baby Saint" takes her first stroll in the Breezeway
Lewis the Lion had a roaring good time getting to know the families of our new Saints, especially the kids!"
Lewis Hall | Lewis the Lion watches as mom & son hug
Lewis celebrates with a new student in her dorm room
Lewis was even around to support families through some of those hard goodbyes.
"To me Move-In Day was kind of bittersweet," Freshman Abby Hagan said. "I'm so excited to start my new life as an adult but I was also so sad to leave my family behind in the process."
FEC Towers | SGA President Katelyn Halleck unloading cars
"It feels really full circle," SGA President Katelyn Halleck said. "[As a senior, Move-In] is the last opportunity you have to give Flagler your all, and that's what I want to do this year. It's been fun to reflect and help people. I've even teared up a few times today."
Halleck acknowledged how stressful and tiring Move-In Day can be for students and families but offered words of encouragement.
"...Remaining positive and being the outsider helping is a lot easier than being in it and being the family, saying goodbyes and everything," she said. "But it's been fun to tell them about all the great experiences they're about to have and help them integrate."
Ponce East | Student taking photo of cameraman on Move-In Day
Ponce East | Freshman Amelie Thompson
"Move-In Day was a mixture of emotions, but going into it with friends made it so much easier and less stressful," Freshman Amelie Thompson said. "It was a great way to start a new chapter of life!"
Thompson, a St. Augustine native, is rooming with out-of-state students who she met on social media over the summer. One of her roommates, Lauren Janeira is from Indiana and visited Thompson over the summer to get a feel for the town.
“Move-In Day was such a roundabout of emotions," Freshman Lauren Janeira said. "Seeing new faces, hauling heavy boxes across the hall, and trying to make good first impressions. It was wonderful and stressful, and we all slept so well that night."
Cedar Hall | Mom, Dorothy Nadell, smiling at dorm door
“The help was amazing," Dorothy Nadell, a freshman mom said. "We were overwhelmed with how many people came and unloaded our car. Our car was unloaded in two minutes... Everything has been easier than we expected."
Cedar Hall | Dad building dorm furniture
We chatted with Donn Kirkland, a dad on furniture assembly duty as his daughter Martina and her roommates settled into their Cedar dorm.
"Today, I'm a proud papa and a sad dad," Kirkland said. "It kind of makes me remember when my folks dropped me off in Tallahassee for Florida State University."
He said this day underscored the "certain bond" that dads and daughters have. As they were driving to St. Augustine for Move-In, nostalgic tunes brought Kirkland back to his college years.
“She likes classic rock," he said. "Same band I loved when I was growing up and the album she was listening to [defined] my sophomore year in college.”
Student posing with "Welcome Home" packet
Student grabbing box from his car
We stopped to ask one Residential Advisor (RA), Matt Rodriguez, for his Move-In Day advice for students. As a sophomore, Rodriguez's first year move-in experience is fresh in his mind.
"I'd just encouraging everyone to kind of pace yourselves, even though it might seem like you're on a crunch for time to move in," he said.
Rodriguez said trying to unpack and organize his dorm room in one day was his mistake last year. He encouraged students to just get their stuff into the dorm and "settle in later."
Breezeway | Students carrying boxes into Ponce Hall
Student Center | Students and mom posing in front of "Welcome Home" sign
