UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Every August on college campuses across the country comes one of the most emotional days of parents' lives, saying goodbye to their children who just graduated high school two months ago, and are now leaving home to move in to their college dorm rooms.

Friday morning, that day came for about 300 parents, as it was freshman move-in day at Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica.

Carmete Lewis, from Orange County, N.Y., was on hand, helping to move here daughter, Alicia, move in.

Lewis was in tears just thinking about leaving her daughter behind later in the day, a daughter who has never been away from home for more than a week a time in her entire life.

Alicia tried to ease her concerns by telling her she'll be home to visit and mom can come up anytime she wants from Orange County, but the two say they are like best friends and know how difficult this first week away from each other will be.

As part of the welcoming committee at MVCC, the brand new freshman living in the dorms were aided by members of the MVCC men's soccer team.

Team captain Armin Mekic says it is a very emotional time for both the students and their parents and to help them by having someone to carry some of their stuff into the dorms is just a simple thing that can mean a lot.

"It's emotional and we kind of break the ice for them," Mekic siad.

MVCC spokesperson Matt Snyder says there are a variety of events planned for the students over the weekend so they can get acclimated to the campus and be ready for the first day of classes on Monday.

Area hotels may get some extra business this weekend, as parents like Carmete Lewis, are re-thinking their plans of leaving town Friday, and may stay another day or two.