With hopes high, nerves up and ambitions running wild, this year’s bunch of NIU freshmen say they are ready for the upcoming year – away from home and familiar faces.

While moving into the residence halls last Thursday, many students expressed excitement as well as uncertainty.

“I’m looking forward to meeting new people, and I’m excited for classes to start,” freshman accounting major Elizabeth Nikolic said.

Many agreed the location of NIU is appealing, based on the fact that it’s far enough away from home to feel independent, yet close enough that going home always is an option.

But staying in their residence halls or going home won’t be the only option faced.

Some freshmen come into to school holding uncertainties about their major. Jessica Montana is one of those students.

“Yeah, that’s undecided,” Montana said of her major.