UNCW students start classes, some still displaced by Florence

WILMINGTON, N.C. (WTVD) -- Classes started back up for students at the University of North Carolina Wilmington Monday after Hurricane Florence tore through campus.

However, one student housing unit remains closed, University Apartments, nearly a month after the hurricane. Crews are making repairs so students can move back in.

Displaced students are staying at hotels or with friends. There is shuttle service for students at hotels.

Freshman Liam Dolher lives in University Apartments. He said a tree slammed into the building. He's been crashing with family and friends since he can't move back in yet.

"It's been pretty frustrating being back and not having a place to go home for a little bit," Dolher said.

Grace Hardy, of Roxboro, is staying at a hotel in Carolina Beach.

"We've been there for two nights now," Hardy said. "It's been pretty nice. It's beach front so that's good but I mean you gotta do what you gotta do."

Even those back in student housing say they feel they're starting over.

"It's definitely tough because the first three weeks of being here and finally developing my routine being a freshman," said student Mike Antonucci. "It's all new to me. But coming back has been just like that, trying to develop my routine again."

"It's been stressful having to pack everything up and then leave and come back," freshman Jarrett Reynolds said. "There was a lot of times we thought we were going to come back and we actually weren't so it was just kind of stressful."

Some students are concerned Hurricane Michael could impact the campus.

"That doesn't sound great," Dolher said. "I do not want to miss another day and fall further behind.

The University of North Carolina Wilmington posted on Facebook Monday: "We know it has been a difficult time, and we are eagerly awaiting the day when we have ALL of our Seahawks back in the nest."