As more than 650 new freshmen moved into Southern New Hampshire University’s dormitories on Sunday, Aug. 31, the Hooksett campus was still in the throes of preparing itself to accommodate students for the academic year.

According to Scott Kalicki, vice president of student affairs for the university, this school year will be the last before a new dining hall and a new academic building are built on the east side of campus. Construction of the $20 million plan is already underway.

In the meantime – and amid the bulldozers and dump trucks – Kalicki said the administration is doing its best to spruce up other parts of campus.

“We’ve spent a considerable amount of money and time to spruce up the infrastructure,” Kalicki said. Visible improvements like new walkways and new siding have helped enhance older buildings, he said, while less noticeable upgrades – like new energy-efficient windows – will improve the quality of dorm life.

“Students will be hard pressed not to notice some of these changes on campus,” he said.

Not all the changes on campus are new buildings. Just a month ago, the Morrissey House was moved a few hundred yards south on North River Road.

“It was actually really fascinating to watch it being transported from one spot to another,” said Greg Mazzola, spokesman for SNHU. “The moving company transports buildings up to 400 tons. The Morrissey House is only 46 tons -- a relatively small job.”

Freshman Corey Hamilton, 18, of Tewksbury, Mass., is less concerned with the ongoing construction as he is with classes. Balancing lacrosse and academics while getting used to his new surroundings and meeting new people could be a challenge. “I haven’t really talked to too many people,” Hamilton said. “But I’m definitely excited about meeting new people.”

Malachi Parsons, 19, who is starting his sophomore year at SNHU, said it’s nice starting the school year as a returning student. There isn’t the pressure to make so many more new friends, he said.

Unpacking into his tiny dorm room – that’s another story.

“It’s going to take a long time because I’m really slow and I procrastinate,” Parsons said.

Karen Nahary, residence director for the university, said it’s an exciting time to be on campus.

“Hopefully (the students) are excited,” Nahary said. “They’re getting ready to start an academic year and it should be exciting more than anything.”

Ginger Kozlowski contributed to this story.