Article 6315Z Mac welcomes class of 2026 on ‘exciting’ residence move-in weekend

Mac welcomes class of 2026 on ‘exciting’ residence move-in weekend

by
Fallon Hewitt - Spectator Reporter
from on (#6315Z)
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Stepping out of her family's vehicle Sunday morning, Alicia Nicholas was surrounded by a brightly coloured crowd of McMaster students cheering her name as she arrived on campus.

It's amazing to finally be here," said the incoming first-year Mac engineering student from St. Catharines, who embraced the celebration with a smile. I feel like it's a really big step for me. I can't believe I've made it all this way."

Nicholas and thousands of other undergraduates were celebrating a big milestone this weekend as they - along with help from their parents - moved into on-campus residence.

Sunday was the second half of the university's official move-in weekend, which saw 4,000 fledgling students start arriving in Hamilton on Saturday for the upcoming academic year, said Holly Gibson, a spokesperson for McMaster University.

Move-in day is the most exciting day of the year on campus," said Gibson. Students are excited, their families are excited, and we're just so happy to have them back."

Unlike last year's week-long process, the annual event returned to its roots as a two-day affair. However, students were required to book 30-minute move-in slots to help minimize both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, said Gibson.

The atmosphere on campus was electric - and hot - Sunday morning as upper-year students joined in chants, directed traffic and carried signs as they welcomed the incoming class of 2026. The honking of horns and the musical stylings of Shania Twain could also be heard echoing through the grounds.

Student volunteers pushed shopping carts filled with blue IKEA bags and emptied cars packed to the brim as they helped students bring their belonging to their rooms.

Gibson said on-campus protocols have changed from what last year's arrivals experienced. Masks are encouraged but no longer required on campus and the school's proof of vaccination program has been paused.

Most classes have also transitioned back to in-person learning, Gibson added. Welcome week festivities will be in full-swing come Monday morning bringing a sense of normalcy embraced by both parents and students alike.

I think if I started post-secondary last year it would have been a little bit harder," said Allie Benzaquen, a first-year nursing student originally from Thornhill. So, now feels like the perfect time."

Residing inside of one of the suite-style dorm rooms on campus, Benzaquen said she was excited for the sense of independence" that would come with living on her own with three other roommates.

Gibson said a big draw for residence is the sense of a built-in community" that can help students feel better supported as they transition from high school into university.

There were mixed emotions on Sunday, though. Some parents were weepy as they took photos with their children under grey and maroon balloon arches set up in the quads around campus, while others couldn't stop smiling.

Sherri Field, who had travelled from Toronto to help move-in her eldest daughter, said she was feeling a mix of both elation and sadness on the big day.

We're not going to get to see her everyday and that's going to be hard," said Field. But we're excited for her, she's done really well in school and this is the next step for her."

Fallon Hewitt is a reporter at The Spectator. fhewitt@thespec.com

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