Parents and students hauled boxes, bins, bedding and other belongings into dorms while coping with high temperatures. Many kept water nearby as they worked through the annual move-in process.
For incoming freshman Grace Gordon, the weather made an already busy day more difficult.
"Oh, my gosh. It's making it a lot harder. My face is red, sweat stripping, but it's almost over," Gordon said.
Laila Dixon, a freshman from Wilmington, said her family's trip to campus included a navigation challenge before they even arrived.
"Oh, stressful. A little confusing because we had to go in different circles. Our G.P.S. took us the wrong way the first time, so we had to go a whole way around to get here. But it's pretty fun. It's stressful, though. It's hot. I'm sweating, and we just got out here," Dixon said.
Some families said they were accustomed to North Carolina's summer conditions and were prepared for the heat.
"We're from Wilmington, so we're used to it. We're used to the heat. We're all set. Now we're heat acclimated, I like to say," said Eric Dixon, a father helping his student move in.
Parents also described balancing the physical demands of move-in day with the emotions that come with leaving their students on campus.
"It's 90 degrees, but it's fun. We're having a good time. And surviving this. We did the first one. We got that up there up the small elevator all the way down to the end of the hall. And now we get to go round two and then maybe three," said Carolyn Gordon, an N.C. State parent.
For Shane Buckner, the day brought mixed feelings.
"So mixed emotions. Excited for her, but gonna miss her for sure," Buckner said.
While students focused on settling into their new homes, many parents were preparing to say goodbye as the fall semester approaches.
Move-ins are continuing this weekend at universities across the Triangle as students prepare for the start of the academic year.
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