EMU students begin moving into dorms with rise in first-year enrollees

Ypsilanti — Families and students came Thursday with cars packed with cases of water, pillows, comforters and school supplies ready to take on the semester ahead at Eastern Michigan University. 

Eastern Michigan University has enrolled more than 2,250 first-year students to campus this fall, a 20% increase from fall 2020,  when 1,867 students enrolled. It is also a 7% hike from first-year enrollment of 2,106 in 2019 before the pandemic, according to the university.

The influx is boosting the number of students living on campus. More than 2,750 students have made a deposit for housing this fall, up 35% from 2,031 students who lived in student housing last fall.

For new students, it was a moment to relish.

"I am looking forward to getting independence from my family," said Caroline Merrel, 18, of Dexter.

On Tuesday, EMU officials said they would require students on campus who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to undergo weekly testing.

First-year students began moving into campus housing Thursday. Other students are set to begin moving in Friday through Sunday. The staggered move-in is a COVID-19 safety precaution. 

As a result of the enrollment increase, 65% of classes are being held in person; 35% of classes are being held virtually.

Students like Aniyah Ranold, 17, of Detroit like the flexibility of choosing what classes to take in person or virtually. 

"Considering one of my classes is virtual, I am expecting a normal and exciting school year," Ranold said. 

ngray1@detroitnews.com