The low rumble of big, rolling laundry carts hitting the pavement kicked off the first morning of G.R.E.A.T Escape, a weeklong early move-in program for select first-year CSUN students.

Students, relatives, friends and loved ones schlepped oversized boxes of TVs and mini fridges, parading through the campus’ Student Housing complex Aug. 19 as eager undergraduates prepared to embark on the journey that is “adulting.”

Freshmen moving into one of CSUN’s living-learning or themed-living housing communities are invited to attend G.R.E.A.T Escape, which is dedicated to helping students adapt to a college environment.

Student Housing staff organized a series of activities such as interactive games and social events, to encourage residents to connect with other freshmen and get more comfortable in their new surroundings.

The program teaches students how to tackle their first year of college by discussing and breaking down obstacles freshmen may face such as academic workload, time management and social interaction. The week’s workshop topics range from Laundry 101 to Mental Health.

G.R.E.A.T Escape team members composed of Student Housing staff and student volunteers said they recognize the transition may prove difficult for family too.

After students moved into their dorm rooms and started to unpack, family and loved ones attended an afternoon Family Orientation and Resource Fair, where they had the opportunity to learn more about CSUN campus services, share their mixed feelings and express any concerns — such as feelings of loss and anxiety that may come with having their children living away from home for the first time. Student Housing staff offered tips on how parents and guardians can support their student from a distance.

Before they departed that evening, family members ended the day on a bittersweet note at a barbecue dinner, where they bid farewell to their students and drove away.

Campus life, CSUN Freshmen, Featured, G.R.E.A.T. Escape, Move In, Student Housing