As San Diego state launched its first new school year amid the pandemic, incoming freshmen weren’t greeted by the usual first-day-of-school fanfare.
Campus courtyards and lecture halls were mostly deserted on Monday with 90% of classes online-only and dormitories only filled to half capacity, housing about 3,500 residents.
Students are disappointed by the deflated college experience, but they’re grateful to feel safe on campus and in their dormitories.
“Our building itself has really clear protocols and policies about what to do. Me and my roommate are both really safe,” said freshman Brie Hawkins. “I feel like we’re doing all we can to protect ourselves.”
Students showing symptoms of COVID-19, and others who’ve been in close contact with them, will be quarantined in one of the designated on-campus apartment buildings. Students in isolation will be provided with hygiene products and meal delivery.
RELATED: SDSU’s Fall Sports Cancellation Devastates Athletes But Unlikely To Impact Local Economy
All students are required to wear face coverings on campus both indoors and outdoors. Consequences for violating these rules can range from a warning to expulsion.
While it remains to be seen whether the virtual instruction will go more smoothly than it did at the end of the spring semester, the social life on campus is certain to be a shell of its former self.
In the dorms, no more than two people can be in the same common area. Greek organizations have banned all in-person social events for the Fall, but fraternities and sororities will host online events.
“I’m trying to rush in the fall, mostly with the intention to meet people,” said Caitlyn Jones, also a first-year student at SDSU. “I’m really trying to talk to everyone I see in the dorm to make as many friends as possible.
So far, both Hawkins and Jones feel their peers have been strict about social-distancing and face-covering rules.
But Jones said she’s being overly cautious after seeing universities across the country closing down just days into the new school year.
“Seeing what’s happening at other universities, I’m just kind of nervous about it,” she said. “Maybe because I’m so excited to be here, and I’m just preparing for the worst.”
