Over the summer, Andrews University developed an action plan to make dorm life safe and fun for students during the 2020-2021 school year. No one could fully expect what life would be like living in the dorm amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, after three weeks of school, students are beginning to adapt to this new way of life and uncharted territory, faithfully trying to follow the new rules and safety precautions, while still focusing on school and building new memories.
Many students had a variety of feelings about returning to the dorms and whether or not it would be safe. Matakala Muhwanga (sophomore, accounting & finance) a Lamson resident and RA said, “When I first heard that we would be coming back to school I was nervous . I was nervous because I didn’t know how the school would handle COVID-19.” However, the University quickly made it a priority to assure students that they would do everything possible to make sure they felt safe and taken care of during this difficult time. Matakala mentioned, “As the school started to release its plans I became excited. I think the school has done a good job with their COVID regulations.”
As students began to arrive at the dorms in August, deans and RA’s explained and helped students understand what life would be like in the dorm this year. Rintei Chawngthu (freshman, psychology) a Lamson resident commented, “The week before school the deans and RA’s took the time to explain what the rules and regulations were, so that helped shape what life would be like living in the dorm.” Students quickly learned that life would be very different from previous years. Just a few of these new aspects of dorm life include masks being required in hallways and study rooms, furniture being rearranged to accommodate social distancing, study rooms having a limited capacity, increased cleaning and more students having their own rooms.
While all these regulations have proven to be helpful, there still remains room for improvement. Jarred Pullen (junior, speech pathology) a Meier resident pointed out, “I question how effective installing foot door handles and sneeze guards will be, when we still continue to pass our ID cards to desk workers without gloves and touch/use the same laundry machines.” Therefore, we can continue to build off the regulations initially put into place and acknowledge there is still work to do as a campus in order to ensure safety for everyone living here.
With all these new precautions added to dorm life, students are continuing to find ways to adjust to and navigate these difficult, but necessary changes. Jarred explained, “It has not been easy adjusting since the University is discouraging any unnecessary contact with individuals. This makes it difficult for someone like me who is a people person and enjoys visiting with friends.” Matakala also expressed similar feelings: “Sometimes it is hard because we are not able to socialize and have events in the dorm like we used too. We just have to make the most of it!” While the social aspects of dorm life have become harder to navigate, each member of the Andrews University community realizes that sacrifices are necessary to keep this campus safe and contribute to making on campus learning possible.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.