TRAVERSE CITY -- Attending Northwestern Michigan College is a matter of family tradition for Parker Zickel.
His father and grandfather both went to school there.
"I had an option to go to community college where I live, but it's not the same," said Zickel, 18, of Muskegon. "You get to stay here, and it's the dorm life. I'd much rather do that."
Zickel is among more than 4,460 enrolled students at NMC and nearly 190 who will live in the residence hall this semester.
Enrollment is almost identical to last year, spokesman Paul Heaton said.
The West Hall dorms are closed this year, so students are living in East Hall. Some college staff will likely relocate to West Hall during installation of a heating system in the Administration Building, Heaton said.
Some classes began Saturday, but most students will head to their first class on Monday or Tuesday.
NMC boasts small class sizes, and that's something student Tiffany Wing likes about the school.
Wing, 21, of Vestaburg, is in her second year studying business administration and living in the dorms.
"I had to get away from home," she said of her choice to stay on campus. "It gives me freedom."
That's also what Nathan Popkie was looking for when he transferred to NMC.
He studied culinary arts at a community college downstate, but it didn't have residence halls or the attractions of northwestern Michigan.
"I love Traverse City ... it's right by the water," said Popkie, 19, of Clinton Township. "I like it up here because it snows a lot and I snowboard."
Monica Vallier, also of Clinton Township, vacationed in the area before deciding to study culinary arts at NMC.
It's her first time living away from home.
"I'm excited, a little bit nervous," said Vallier, 18.
Brandon Boswood opted to live on campus instead of commuting from Kalkaska.
Boswood, 20, is in his second year studying criminal justice.
"It's a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends, and get to learn how to stay by yourself without the parents around," he said.
New and returning students will have a chance to mingle at the student fair on Tuesday, which will provide information on extracurricular activities, academic support, career services and other programs. Food and entertainment will be available. The event runs rain or shine from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. near East and West halls.
