MACON, Ga. — Mercer University welcomed nearly 1,100 new students this year, marking the start of another back-to-school season in central Georgia.

On Friday, many of them began to move into the dorms, which will be their new homes for the next year.

Freshmen from as far away as Colorado and Baltimore moved in starting at 7 a.m.

While many students waved a tearful goodbye to their families and their childhood homes, other families said this milestone carries extra significance.

Katie Dodd, a freshman from Nashville, Tennessee, arrived with nearly her entire family to help her settle in. After their house caught fire in June, Dodd has been sharing a room with her sister while the family stays in a rental.

"Abby and I have been sharing — we've been all over the place, different houses

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