The start of September brings a new school year across campuses. Brock University welcomed thousands of new students to the residences over the weekend. While it’s an exciting time, many students have mixed emotions heading into this new chapter.

New Brock University students and their families spent the afternoon unloading dorm essentials from their cars and moving into their student residences.

Brock staff and 140 student volunteers were on deck to make the already stressful experience a smooth one for about 1,100 students.

“The campus comes to life when students come back. We are so looking forward to going back to having students on campus and to start the year off right with all our welcome week activities,” said Cindy Chernish Director, Housing Services.

READ MORE: McMaster engineers host Charity Bus Pull for welcome week

Living on campus costs about $13,000 to $15,000 for the 8-month term which includes a meal plan. But the school offers guidance to students as they learn to live on their own

“There’s a number of different resources that we have here for them. We’re here to educate them, help them to gain their independence ready for that next step, that next transition,” said Chernish.

Many students say that this weekend is filled with mixed emotions for them. Not only are they moving into a new place and learning new responsibilities, but they’re also gearing up for the first day of school

Returning students know the beginning-of-school jitters all too well and reassure incoming students that they’re not alone. Brock expects to welcome another 1,300 students on Sunday.

READ MORE: Canada’s largest Ribfest returns to Burlington this long weekend