UNH students head back-to-school in record numbers

DURHAM, N.H. --Students are heading back to the University of New Hampshire this weekend -- in record numbers.

The 3,080 freshman enrolled this year were moving into dorms during the day Friday. Returning students are coming back Sunday.

This year's crop of freshmen brings the total number of undergraduates to 11,400 students. There are also 2,400 graduate students enrolled this year.

"It's a record number of students. It's a surprise," university spokeswoman Kim Billings said. About 2,800 incoming students entered the university at this time last year compared with the more than 3,000 this year.

Billings said all students who requested campus housing have a room, though some rooms may be a little crowded. Some lounges in the dorms have been converted into student rooms, and some rooms will house three students instead of two.

"We're working very hard with students on an individual and group basis," Billings said. "Everyone is going to need a lot of patience this first semester."

It's not just the record number of freshmen who are straining housing resources. Older students who used to move into off-campus apartments are now remaining on campus longer and longer, according to Billings.

"We're finding that more students aren't moving off campus, and we're trying to accommodate them as much as we can," Billings said.

Freshman Kathryn Blaise and her parents were among those toting boxes and bags into the dormitories despite Friday's cool and rainy weather.

Blaise, who is majoring in athletic training, said she's looking forward to meeting new people but a little nervous about starting classes.

Her parents are a little nervous, too.

"We want this to be a really good experience for her," her mother Patty Blaise said. "We're hoping we made the right choice by having her stay on campus and experience campus life."

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Information from: Foster's Daily Democrat, http://www.fosters.com