More than 3,500 student residents are moving into residence halls at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa during the week of August 19 for the fall 2024 semester.
“I feel excited, nervous, scared, but I’m excited to make new friends and meet new people,” said Lhizelle Banchiran, an incoming freshman from Maui. “The campus is huge so I’m kind of overwhelmed, but I know I’m gonna get through it.”
- Related UH News story: Hale Aloha Towers renovation completed, August 20, 2024
Incoming student residents gathered at the Stan Sheriff Center to check in, receive their room key, student ID and room information, and explore campus resources including employment, leadership and financial aid opportunities. As part of the move-in process launched in 2023, students could utilize the two-way shuttle service or drive to the residence halls from Zone 20 to reduce traffic congestion.
“We want their first experience at UH to be as comfortable as possible,” said David Akana, interim director of student housing. We wanted to have something where they know there are gonna be lines, they know it’s gonna be a little stressful. But at the same time they can feel welcome to the university.”
Jessi Arreola, another incoming freshman, expressed her ease in moving into her new home for her first year of college.
“I was a little overwhelmed at first, but once like I got settled and everything, everyone was so helpful,” said Arreola. “Right when I got out of my car, they packed my bags and took me up to my floor, and everyone was really nice. It made it so much less stressful.”
New renovations, amenities
Students moving into the Hale Aloha Towers will enjoy newly renovated lobbies and common areas in addition to new microfridge (microwave/refrigerators), which are now included in all of the rooms and or suite areas residence halls except the Hale Wainani Apartments.
“They put it in the fridge and microwave in our dorm, that was super cool. “And just walking into the front lobby it just looks so clean and so nice”, said Arreola. “To call such a nice place home for these next couple of months, I am super excited.”
