Businesses near UNM prepare for new school semester

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Tomorrow is a big day for thousands of University of New Mexico students – it’s the first day of a new school year.

New students mean new customers for local businesses, and it’s an area that’s been growing. KOB 4 spoke with people about the excitement and heard how business owners are preparing.

“I just think it’s beautiful. I think, I’m glad that there’s something right every corner that you can just look at and explore,” said Gus Gonzales a UNM freshman.  

Gonzales is one of the thousands of new UNM freshmen taking over the university area in the metro. 

On Sunday, dozens of college students will be walking around Central exploring the local shops.

“It’s actually pretty cool. I’m not gonna lie. Like there’s a lot of there’s a lot of things that are here that I don’t have in my hometown,” said Gregory Brown a UNM freshman. 

Freshmen were settling into their dorms over the weekend, learning the campus layout. 

Brown says he’s excited to check out all the shops and restaurants by campus, like one of the newest additions to the Bricklight District – Los Victor’s Mexican Food.

“We so excited to see all the students back and then, yeah, like we’re ready for them,” said Violet Valenciano, co-owner of Los Victor’s Mexican Food. 

Valenciano says once UNM staff were back to work they saw business increase. She says the university was a huge draw for them when picking a business location. 

“When we see the location, and then we see if like a college there we like, ‘Yes,’” Valenciano said. 

Now, they’re looking forward to another boom with students returning.

“We open for lunch, and then we open for dinner, and a little bit late too for the students, you know, they’re busy with the classes and all that. So we’re here till midnight for that,” said Valenciano. 

New Lobos say they’re ready to enjoy.

“It’s amazing, because I personally didn’t bring a car so that I can just walk around and get basically anything I need, like a short walk,” said Murray Camphouse, another UNM freshman.