New beginnings often bring their fair share of surprises and discoveries, along with a smidgen of anxiety about the future.
As thousands of students across the country readied to return to school, the University of Victoria welcomed over 2,000 first-year students moving into its residences from Aug. 31 to Sept. 1.
Among them is Julian Majzub from North Vancouver, who’s embarking on his first year in general science.
“I feel excited, a little bit nervous, but good,” he said. “Anything new comes with a little bit of nervousness.”
Despite the stress that new adventures can bring, Majzub is eager to expand his social network.
“Meeting new people and making social connections is something I'm definitely looking forward to,” he said.
With his older sister having started at UVic last year, the day is symbolic for Majzub’s mother, Nilou.
“It comes with a lot of ambiguous feelings,” she said. “I'm, on the one hand, very, very excited for him and for just the opening up of a whole new world and just the independence he's gaining, and on the other hand, I'll really miss him at home, on a day-to-day basis.”
Echoing similar feelings to Majzub is Jorie Benjamin from Ladysmith, who’s undertaking studies in kinesiology.
“I’m definitely looking forward to making new connections and new friends, just branching out a little bit and getting to learn about a field that I'm interested in,” she said.
Although she now lives less than an hour and a half from her hometown, moving out for the first time still feels like a small leap of faith.
“I'm excited and a little bit nervous because it's new, but I'm mostly excited,” she said.
For Kelowna’s Eden Griffin Lepine, the baby of the family, moving from the Interior to the Island is a chance to experience the region’s best outdoor activities.
Yet, for her mother Jennifer, this day marks the departure of her last born from the family nest.
“She's the third of three, so it's pretty tricky today,” said the mother.
Although this may be a whirlwind for newcomers, UVic director of residence services Brett Zawadiuk said university staff are onsite to support everyone before, during, and after this period of transition.
“We have a resident move-in fair with a couple dozen booths set up by various campus partners to help all the new and even returning students understand the resources and support available to them,” he said.
With close to 2,900 students living across dozens of student housing complexes, more than a third of all units will be occupied by first-years, said Zawadiuk.
As the school year begins this week, Zawadiuk and his team wish all students a good start to classes.
“We’re so excited to have you here, and there really is a community of support all around you, whether it's your community leader that lives in residence or the full-time staff… across campus,” he said. “We're here to support your academic pursuits.”
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