By JESSA LEWIS
6 News Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Knoxville's feeling a little more crowded today, as more than 7,300 people move on to campus.
A new academic year is just around the corner, and the newest class of Volunteers is ready. Some even arrived early to beat the crowds later in the day.
"I'm excited to get started. I'm excited to move in, just ready to stop thinking about it and just do it," said incoming UT freshman Lucy Burt.
People all over campus were ready to help from church volunteers to administrators.
"We got the idea at the University of Texas all those years ago, helping students move in. As you can see, it's really chaotic on this day for the University of Tennessee, and so we just come over and make things a little easier and less chaotic by helping students get up to their room," said Calvary Baptist Church Senior Pastor Dan Riley.
"I'm walking around, meeting people, talking to people, and I'm going over here in just a few minutes to help unload," said UT Chancellor Jimmy Cheek.
Parents have mixed emotions about sending their kids to school. "My dad shed some tears. My mom is ok," said Erin Finnerty of her parents.
"Not so nervous. She's our third child to go to school. So we've done this before. We're a little sad, but not nervous, I know Lucy will do great," said Ron Burt of his daughter, Lucy.
Burt was also relieved by his daughter's light packing. "I thought she had a lot of stuff and then I saw some of the stuff that other people brought and Lucy didn't do too bad."
The cooler temps helped as well. "I am thanking all the weather men and women for bringing this lovely weather. It is exciting. It's an exciting time/ Parents are dropping their students off, it's a great time," said UT Director of Housing Dr. Frank Cuevas.
Of course, students, parents and faculty had another thing to tell 6 News during move in as well: "Go Vols!"
