Rutgers students talk adjusting to campus life after temporary remote instruction

After two weeks of virtual instruction due to the spread of the omicron variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Rutgers has resumed in-person classes and reopened its residence halls. Three students shared their thoughts and experiences regarding the return to campus life at the University.

Patrick Fuchs, a School of Engineering sophomore, said he was initially frustrated when the University’s announcement was made.

“I was pretty upset at first, as I assume most students were when first hearing the news,” he said. “But overall, I understand why the first two weeks were remote and I am just happy we are able to be back at all.”

Fuchs also said that the adjustment to the return to campus felt strange at first, as many aspects of campus felt unfamiliar. Though, he said he is grateful to have fewer distractions during his classes now that in-person instruction is offered again.

“It was really weird at first,” he said. “I did not know many people, including my roommate. I had to get used to actually going to places outside of my bedroom for class. But, I adjusted pretty well.”

Michael Munzer, a School of Arts and Sciences sophomore, also said they were frustrated with the announcement as they previously struggled with online classes. Though, they said spending the extra two weeks at home provided extra time to pack and prepare for living on-campus again.

Both Munzer and Fuchs said that while there were convenient aspects of remote learning, certain features of campus culture were missed. 

Munzer said they enjoyed being able to stay home with their family but missed seeing the friends they had made in the Fall 2021 semester.

“I missed being out and about on campus, and being able to get pretty much anywhere without a car,” they said. “At home, I’ve felt a little cooped up.”

Munzer also said they found online classes to be very stressful. As a result, they found themself needing to devote more time to maintain their mental health for the past two weeks.

Xiaoran Cui, a School of Arts and Sciences senior, said she spent her time differently at home than when she was at Rutgers. 

“I did divide my time differently. Now, I’d carve out some time for my family such as watching a movie with them at night and playing the piano,” she said. “But at school, I don’t have a specific time slot for my roommates since we just talk (and) see each other whenever.”

Cui also said that as a senior, the transition back to having classes on-campus was not as difficult since she was able to spend her first year at the University taking in-person classes. She said she missed living with more people and walking around campus, grateful to be back in person for her final semester. 

Regarding the University’s decision to keep the majority of on-campus housing closed during the first two weeks of school, all three of the students said that given how transmissible the omicron variant is, there was likely no other solution.

“As much as the choice they made was uncomfortable, I’m not really sure there was anything better to be done,” Munzer said. “Given the state of the pandemic at the time, and the fact that a lot of people want classes to be back in person, this was probably the least harmful choice.”