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Tens of thousands of college students returned to Columbia this weekend for the upcoming fall semester.

Students from Mizzou, Columbia College and Stephens College packed up their belongings and moved into apartment complexes, Greek houses and dorms throughout the city.
Twin brothers James and Joseph King brought their belongings back to Columbia as well as their wallets.  Columbia Chamber of Commerce officials said the 2 Mizzou students represent part of a big economic boost for Mid-Missouri.  The King brothers said they are happy with their new apartment and ready to start the fall semester.

Joseph King said, “Mizzou is a very good school.  Not only is it good for engineering, which is what I’ll be going into, but the business school and also the journalism school and all the other schools have to offer.  I’m very excited to also be part of the new sec program that we are going to be a part of, too.”

The King brothers have a lot of stuff to move, but they are used to it.

James King said, “It’s actually not that bad.  I’ve lived at places here in Columbia and also at campus lodge and reserve, so I’m used to the moving around and stuff.  It’s just a natural thing that we have to do every year.”

Mizzou officials expect a record-breaking enrollment of 6,450 freshmen this fall.  That’s about 300 more freshmen than last year.

Mizzou officials said higher tuition has not affected this fall’s enrollment figures.  Tuition and fees are increasing by about 6% this coming school year.

Mizzou officials also expect more transfer students this fall as Columbia apartment complexes continue to fill up to capacity.

The Mizzou fall semester officially begins at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, August 20.