MOVE IN DAY: UD students take over campus

University of Dayton freshman Ann Meadowcroft was up before 2 a.m. Friday in expectation of her first move in to college.

Meadowcroft is part of the largest and most diverse incoming freshman class in University of Dayton’s history that move in on Friday. The historic class of more than 2,2000 new students represents 41 states and 16 countries

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“It’s awesome because I get to meet a whole bunch of new people and learn different histories and cultures that I wouldn’t have experienced in my hometown,” said Meadowcroft, who left North Canton around 3:30 a.m. to get to Dayton for move-in day.

Classes will start Wednesday and upperclassmen will move in Sunday.

To decrease traffic congestion on the traditionally high traffic day along the Brown Street corridor, around 1,200 freshman moved in on Friday, which helped today go smoother.

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Still, moving in the largest class yet is a big operation. There were also 430 student volunteers on campus Friday to help students carry their stuff into their dorms.

“We have about 430 volunteers today, including the football team. Other student athletes. Our campus recreation employees,” said Cari Wallace, assistant vice president for student development.

While move-in day can mean snarled traffic, it also means a huge boost for shops and restaurants surrounding the university, who depend on the students for their business.

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Jason Lindsey, Zombie Dogz shift leader, said “it’s a complete 180” with the students back to campus. The food-truck-turned-restaurant opened at its current Brown Street location last fall.

“We’re usually pretty busy on the weekends and stuff, but its very consistent when school was in. We’re very excited about that,” he said.

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