College freshman arriving at their 'new home' for the next four years

One of the midstate's oldest liberal institutions opened its doors to members of the Class of 2016. Dickinson College in Carlisle has more than 600 new students starting classes this year.

Dickinson College has always prided itself in the diversity of its student body. Wednesday, freshman from 35 states and 21 countries were moving into residence halls.

It was Wednesday when belongings carefully packed in cars, trucks, vans and trailers only a day or so ago, were unpacked and carried into dorms. It was sunny and warm and students and their parents were grateful it wasn't raining.

Madi Lawson of Duxbury, Mass was in early as she joins the lady soccer team for practice. Her feelings were a mix of excitement and anxiety.

Bill Durden is president of Dickinson College. It's his 14th and final year and, yes, he says new students face challenges."

Durden, a Dickinson grad himself, had one piece of advice for the freshmen: Don't overwhelm themselves initially with the many extracurricular activities available on and off-campus.

The rest of the students return this weekend, bringing the total student population to 2,300.