Navigating College During a Pandemic: How Students are Adapting to the New Normal

The year 2020 has brought with it unprecedented challenges for college students all over the country. As students navigate the new normal of distanced learning and adjusted campus life due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a mix of anxiety, uncertainty, and cautious optimism. To gain insight into how students are adapting to these changes, HelloGiggles spoke with five students from various universities.

First up is Peyton Hanlin from the University of Iowa. Peyton shares that although she was nervous about returning to school, the increased cleaning and social distancing measures taken by her university have made her feel safe. She and her roommate have set up their dorm room with health precautions in mind, such as hanging keys and masks for easy access and stocking up on sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer.

Brooke Vituli from Arizona State University also shares her back-to-school experience. She made sure to stock up on cleaning supplies like Clorox wipes and hand sanitizers to keep her room clean and cozy. With most of her classes online, she plans to make her room a comfortable space where she can spend the majority of her time.

Breton Clark, a sophomore at Iowa State University, reflects on the differences in this school year but has focused on making her dorm room feel like home. With online classes dominating her schedule, she invested in decorations to create a warm atmosphere. Additionally, she has taken precautions by getting protective covers for toiletries to maintain cleanliness.

Shruthi Rajaram from Ohio State University shares a similar sentiment about maintaining a sense of normalcy in her dorm room. By keeping her decorations the same and following safety rules, she has felt less nervous about the semester. She emphasizes the importance of cleanliness and ensuring a safe environment for herself and her friends.

Lastly, Niya Nyun, a first-year nursing student at Pearl River Community College, highlights the rigorous cleaning routine she has adopted to stay safe. With a focus on creating a cozy study space and taking multiple safety precautions, she is prioritizing her health and well-being during this challenging time.

Overall, these students’ experiences shed light on the resilience and adaptability of college students in the face of unprecedented circumstances. From increased cleaning routines to creating comfortable study environments, students are finding ways to navigate the challenges of the 2020 school year with positivity and caution.