MONADNOCK REGION, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) The return to school is about to get underway across the Monadnock Region, with local public schools beginning classes this week and Keene State College preparing for a wave of student arrivals.

For first-year Keene State students, the college experience begins with move-in on Thursday, Aug. 27, when new students are scheduled to arrive at residence halls between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The influx of vehicles is expected to affect traffic around the college, according to the Keene State Department of Campus Safety.

Drivers could encounter delays along Winchester Street, from the roundabout connecting Main, Marlboro and Winchester streets west to Winchester Court. Traffic impacts are also possible on Main Street, between the intersection with Route 101 and Wyman Way.

Motorists who do not need to travel through the area during the move-in period are encouraged to use alternate routes.

The college’s residence halls and apartments will open to returning students on Sunday, Aug. 30, with the fall semester beginning the following day. Classes start Monday, Aug. 31.

Keene State is not the only school preparing for the new academic year. Most Monadnock Region public schools will welcome students beginning Wednesday, Aug. 26, while several districts will start Thursday, Aug. 27.

Among the districts opening Wednesday are Chesterfield, Fall Mountain, Harrisville, Keene, Marlborough, Marlow, Monadnock Regional, Stoddard, Surry and Westmoreland.

Students in ConVal, Hinsdale, Jaffrey-Rindge and Winchester are scheduled to return Thursday.

River Valley Community College, like Keene State, begins its fall semester Monday, Aug. 31.

First-year Keene State students or their families with questions about move-in day can contact Campus Safety at 603-358-2228.