Temple University Welcome Week kicked off Wednesday morning and continues through the weekend, with approximately 5,000 students moving into university residence halls over a five-day period.

The well-choreographed exercise involves the work of a variety of campus organizations and groups, whose representatives work hard to ensure that students’ transition to Temple runs smoothly.

“Welcome Week is designed to help students and parents feel welcome as they join the Temple family,” said Kevin Williams, director of Residential Life.

Among the many highlights of the week is Temple Fest, a two-day outdoor festival featuring music, food, giveaways and games as well as informational booths sponsored by Temple’s student organizations, campus departments and local vendors. As the week continues, more events for students — including an outdoor barbeque, dance party and late-night shopping run — help students get acclimated to the Temple community.

“They have a lot of questions and they’re very excited to be a part of this massive undertaking at Temple University,” said Williams.

Parents and family members share in that excitement as well — but the emotion of saying goodbye can make it bittersweet.

“I’m a little sad,” said one mom, Sherri Harris. “But I think students need to learn this experience of being independent and meeting new people in a different environment.”

“If you walk around campus today you’ll see a lot of hugging, a little bit of tears and a lot of excitement,” said Williams, “But I think it’s a huge success when a parent is able to say goodbye to their students and trust them with us.”