"(It's a) warm welcome," Kai Koerfer, a new freshman said. "A lot of academics, a lot of nerdy stuff goes on, but at the end of the day we're all family here."
Welcome Class of 2023! The @UCBerkeley volleyball team has the best welcome song I’ve heard all morning 😂
— Jobina Fortson (@JobinaFortson) August 20, 2019
• Do YOU remember your college move-in day?
I do. I lost about 5lbs that day from sweating as I lugged my bags with my parents. That was the last time I overpacked. pic.twitter.com/FJB6ilefoj
Koerfer is from Parkland, Florida and just met his new friend Mohammed Mustafa yesterday. They'll both be studying computer science. Mustafa is from Oakland.
"Me and him, we're actually in the African American theme program," Koerfer said. "So it really just helps welcome us as black students because there's 1.9% of us over here."
"I'm going to miss my parents," Austin Patel, a new freshman said. "But I'm looking forward to everything that comes with college."
Patel's parents have been through the move-in process before, but Punita Chauhan just has her son TJ. She's having a tough time letting go.
Aww you guys!! These two just became friends! They’re both incoming freshman at @UCBerkeley and will be studying computer science. Mohammed is from Oakland and Kai is from Parkland, FL. 💛 #newfriends #BlackExcellence pic.twitter.com/wD1iVmkyyu
— Jobina Fortson (@JobinaFortson) August 20, 2019
"I don't have any other kids, he's my only son," Punita Chauhan said.
"I'm looking forward to learning chemical engineering," TJ Chauhan said.
We know students are serious about their academics, but some told ABC7 News that they're looking forward to new experiences away from home.
"It's also like a lot of freedom because I get to be away from family," Mustafa said.
"Exactly, it'll be awesome," Sonali Naphade said.
