Marquette University move-in day; students, parents battle heat

MILWAUKEE - The heat did not stop Marquette University students from moving into their dorms Wednesday, Aug. 23.

From settling in to meeting your roommate, college move-in day is rarely easy. 

"It’s been stressful; nerve-wracking," said Nico Karris.

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"This is the first time we see each other face to face. Hopefully he’s cool," said Bert Wirtz. 

There is an added layer of stress for students like Wirtz – triple-digit temperatures. Outside The Commons dorms at Marquette, it was a hot, hazy, humid move-in morning. 

Marquette University students move in Aug. 23 amid extreme heat

"I’m happy I’m doing it now, too. It’s supposed to reach like 100 later, so if I had to stand out in the sun. I don’t want to melt," Wirtz said. 

Families helped with the heavy lifting. They took shifts, and the university staggered move-in times to avoid crowding. 

"I decided to wear shorts," said Bert Wirtz Sr.

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Move-in day comes with tradition and emotion for Wirtz's father. 

"I think the ride home will be a little heartbreaking," Wirtz Sr. said. 

Parents FOX6 News spoke with had great advice – that today isn’t just about moving-in, but also about preparing for a new chapter in life. 

"Remember the big picture of you’re here for school, and you’re here to get an education, you’re here to get a degree. You’re here to better yourself," said parent Michael Karris. 

"There’s so many experiences I want him to take from this," Wirtz Sr. said. 

On the hottest day of the week, parents have warm words. 

"He’s a good student. I really feel like he’s going to thrive here. I’m just really excited for him," Wirtz Sr. said.