Students from all over the country packed their belongings and descended on Keyser Friday. Potomac State College is back in session next week, and absorbent young minds filled the campus to find a place to sleep between studying.
One of those students was Alexa Hidy from Sterling, Va.  Alexa, who attended Parkview High School, heard about Potomac State College through her principal back home.
“Alexa chose Potomac State College because she wanted to start college in a small environment, and she could get help if she needed it through tutoring,” said Alexa’s mother, Patricia.
Alexa plans on majoring in early childhood education.
Another new student is Raquel Shifflett of Stephens City, Va. Shifflett, along with help from her future mother-in-law Nancy Benner, moved into her room at Friend Hall. Shifflett is majoring in pre-veterinary agriculture at PSC, then plans to transfer wherever her finance, Enoch Benner, is stationed with the Marine Corps. 
The day kicked off with Student Services Day from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. SSD allowed students to register for courses, pay bills, check their financial aid, pick meal plans, get Catamount I.D. cards, and secure parking permits.
Student check-in was from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
In the early afternoon, students, parents, faculty, and staff enjoyed a “Welcome Picnic and Parent Farewell” lunch on the quad, free of charge. While students and parents enjoyed lunch, they were treated to the sounds of LEA, who performed on the quad in front of the Student Union.
LEA is a two-person band of Montgomery County, Md., comprised of lead singer Lea and bass player Will Henderson.
Lea describes her music as a little bit of everything — from folk, to R & B, to jazz. 
“LEA performed on Valentine’s Day of last year, and everyone who heard them fell in love with their music,” said activities coordinator Mike Page.
Potomac State College move-in day continued with a parent orientation session, and a student dinner hosted by the PSC faculty and staff in the Potomac Commons in University Place.
Activities continue throughout the weekend, with check-in for new and returning students beginning on Sunday.
Classes begin Monday.