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MACOMB, ILL. -- This weekend's a big one for college freshmen across the country as many move in to their dorms for the very first time.

Saturday, close to two thousand freshmen and their parents spent the day unpacking loads of boxes and furniture during Western Illinois University's Move-In Day. For many, parents were saying goodbye to their first born's and first-time college students, but for the students it was a day of excitement and nerves.

"Most of the students are excited and the parents are a little nervous, excited too," said W.I.U. President Jack Thomas.

Thomas visited with families at Thompson Hall Saturday morning as one cart load after another rolled through it's front lawn. Hundreds of families listened for their number to be called.

"We kind of expected this with a lot of people. You just got to be patient and wait your turn," said Dave Carroll, a father to an incoming freshman.

For many parents, waiting around wasn't the worst part.

"Is this your first one off to college? Yes this is the first one. I cried a little in the car. I hope he didn't see me. But yes, this is my first son, my first child going off to college," said Chicago native Aurelia Graham Beal.

Lindsay Carroll made the move to W.I.U. for a full ride scholarship into Western's basketball program.

"There's some happy and sad, but it's a whole new life in college so I'm really excited for it," said Lindsay Carroll.

"Just hoping for a good year for her and looking forward to watching her play basketball," said Dave Carroll, Lindsay's dad.

"I think my dad's ready to get rid of me, no I'm just kidding. My mom is sad and my dad is sad, but they're going to be down at Western a lot," said Lindsay Carroll.

Soon, Carroll was in her dorm and ready to revamp these four walls.

"It looks really good, I'm really excited to get in it and decorate," said Lindsay Carroll. "Just really excited to be at Western and hope it's a good year."

"I'm most excited about meeting new people and basically just enjoying my first experience. I've been told freshmen year is the best year in college. And I just want some memorable moments to cherish four years from now," said Kendall Beal, an incoming freshman.

"It's bittersweet. I'm so happy and proud of him going to college. We're going to miss him at home, but he has to move on," said Aurelia Beal, Kendall's mom.

"They're crying right now, but they'll get over it, sooner or later. I'll miss them and they know there's no place like home," said Kendall Beal.

At last count, W.I.U. welcomed a total of 19 hundred 25 freshmen this year.