More than 860 University of Illinois Springfield students returned to campus for the start of Fall Semester 2021 classes during Move-In Week, held Aug. 16-20.

All students were required to pre-register for a move-in time slot in order to reduce congestion and support physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Students first checked in at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC), where it was verified that students complied with UIS’ COVID-19 vaccination requirement or had been granted an exemption. Approved students were then given their keys to move into their residence hall, townhouse or apartment.

Volunteers helped students and their parents move all of their items into their living space. Freshman Margaret Herberger moved in a day early and decided to help her fellow freshmen classmates move-in on Monday, Aug. 16.

“I’m trying to help everyone else move-in and feel at home,” Herberger said. “I just wanted to help everybody out because I wanted to get a feel for helping people.”

Classes will begin at UIS on Friday, Aug. 20. Students are invited to participate in the many Welcome Week activities that kick off the semester.