College excitement begins on Move-In Day

One of the most exciting times of the year at Columbia International University is move-in day, when new students begin their college journey and returning students reunite with old friends. On a beautiful late-August morning, the road in front of the men’s residence halls was lined with cars loaded with boxes, couches, and other dorm-room essentials. Each new student was greeted by an animated group of student leaders, excited to welcome the incoming freshmen and transfer students. 

“I’m excited to be able to help new students make the move to CIU. We all know that can be a tough transition,” said Caleb Shell, an R.A. “I’m also excited to help build Christian community in the dorm and across campus this year.” 

Shell and the other CIU leaders could be seen zooming up and down the halls, carrying new students’ belongings and helping them settle into their new home. 

CIU’s move-in day attracted the attention of local news outlet, News 19 WLTX, who sent a videographer to capture the scene. They interviewed multiple students, one of whom was incoming freshman Joel Benicourt. 

“I’m so excited to be here,” Benicourt exclaimed. “I feel like CIU is the heart of the Christian world. It’s so cool to see all the connections that are made here,” referring to old friends he recognized from his time living as a missionary kid in Europe. 

At the women’s residence halls, many of the new students’ parents happened to be CIU alumni, including Jessica Burchett from the class of 1990. She said that her daughter, Kayla, is fortunate because in her days, there was no air conditioning in the residence halls, only in the Student Center and the Library where students would naturally flock to cool down. 

Kayla is majoring in Disaster Relief and Emergency Management in the hopes that it will aid her on the mission field. 

“The grace of the Lord directed me to CIU — or as my dad [says, it’s] ‘the Lord’s river of grace that flowed me here.’ I know God guided me here for a reason so I’m excited to see why.”

Eliana Grace Blau and Caroline Birdsong, friends and now roommates, share having CIU alumni parents and have both chosen to enroll in the Nursing program. Both say they looked at numerous colleges, but found CIU is unique in having a small community that embodies Christlike qualities with people who strive to uphold biblical principles. 

CIU enrollment is over 2,600 students in undergraduate, graduate and seminary programs, with several hundred students enrolled in online programs. 

It’s a year of celebration as new president Dr. Bill Jones will be inaugurated during Homecoming Weekend on Nov. 1-2. 

Higher learning. Deeper faith. A Christ-centered community on campus and online. Apply now or request information on enrollment at CIU by contacting Admissions at (803) 807-5024 or admissions@ciu.edu.