While they were not paid for their efforts, about 30 volunteers hauled luggage and furniture for more than 500 residents from the curb to their residence hall rooms.

K-State offers the service to help control the influx of students, parents and vehicles on campus and to make move-in day less stressful for those involved, said Greg Brown, co-coordinator for the move-in crew and senior in philosophy.

Brown said the volunteers were allowed to move in Thursday, while other residents could move in a day early-Friday-for a $50 fee.

Students who waited until Saturday didn't have to pay, but they were subject to longer lines for the elevators, sweatier lobbies and the possibility of losing first-come, first-served privileges to their roommate.

"Most campuses don't have a move-in crew," said Van Zile Hall Governing Board President Meghan Snodgrass, another co-coordinator for the move-in crew and senior in human ecology.

"Parents and students moving in by themselves were really appreciative."

Wal-Mart shopping carts and portable storage bins were traded among residence halls to lessen the number of trips made from cars. Snodgrass said Wal-Mart lets K-State borrow the carts for move-in day every year, and they are given back when school starts.

Greta Kliewer, sophomore in pre-journalism, worked more than the three two-hour shifts required of the move-in crew.

She was a front lawn mover, which was someone who unloaded everything from curbside cars so drivers could quickly get out of the way.

"I had to carry someone's pet tarantula out of the car for them," Kliewer said. "I usually try to keep my distance, but I wasn't going to say no. It was pretty cool."

Other members of the move-in crew shuttled drivers from their designated "R" parking lot back to the residence halls so they could finish the process as efficiently as possible.

Brown said as move-in crew co-coordinator, he had to ensure things were done quickly and efficiently.

"The move-in crew were some of the first people freshmen encountered, so it was important to make a good first impression," Brown said. "They could see that K-State has a community that cares."