Home sweet dorms

Residence halls at Washington State University were abuzz inside and out Wednesday, as students - accompanied by parents, family and friends - arrived in droves towing suitcases and cardboard boxes with the goal of settling into their new campus home.

A breeze only slightly cooler than the sunlit campus afforded relief to those loading and unloading their belongings and the volunteers who signed up to spend their day helping outside.

"It's the Cougar way," said 20-year-old junior Maryanne Wainaina. "Cougars help Cougars."

Wainaina said she tried to sign up to help at move in day last year, but was unable to make it happen, so this year she made sure her schedule was cleared for the day.

"It's great to help the freshmen," she said. "It's a strange environment for them."

Nearer to the buildings, top hits played and the smell of bacon hung inexplicably in the air, seemingly inspiring those around the area with energy and enthusiasm.

Jake Meredith, 18, took a break from moving with a quick trip to the nearest shopping center with his family in search of a new chair, snacks and tanning lotion.

The experience of moving to campus from his home in Bothell has been an excellent one, so far, he said.

"I really like it here," he said. "It's a very welcoming campus. That's one of the main things that attracted me here."

Not everyone was rushing around, as some volunteers enjoyed the calm before the afternoon rush, when most students arrived.

Resident assistants Gene Jaquet, 20, and Bella Allen, 19, found a quiet place in the shade from which to offer directions and advice to students and parents who needed it.

The two said they enjoy move-in day, and loved seeing the wonder in new students as they took in the campus.

"It's great seeing the freshmen, how excited they are," Allen said.

Jaquet agreed.

"It's nice seeing people first seeing their new homes," he said.

The two also recognize common mistakes made by students moving in - the biggest being bringing too much.

"I've seen people bring in ironing boards and huge mirrors," Jaquet said. "You're not going to need an ironing board every day, and there are mirrors all over."

He said his mistake freshman year was the opposite.

"My dorm was like a prison cell," he said. "I didn't have anything."

Jaquet said students should focus on bringing the essentials they'll use on a daily basis, but, he added, it is important to not forget a few extras.

"Just things to remind you of home," he said. "I have a few books and some Seahawks stuff."

Michelle Yanak, and her freshman daughter, Kendra Yanak, 18, stood with suitcases and enjoyed the stillness and sunshine for a few moments.

Kendra Yanak said she was impressed with the campus and its greenery, a contrast from her home in Ripon, Calif., where water restrictions are currently in effect.

"It's amazing," Michelle Yanak said of the move-in experience. "Everyone is so friendly. We haven't met a stranger yet."

Shanon Quinn can be reached at (208) 883-4636, or by email to squinn@dnews.com.