Navigating College Life During COVID-19: How Students are Adapting to the New Normal

In the midst of a global pandemic, college students are facing a school year like no other. With the shift to distanced learning and increased safety precautions on campus, students are navigating a new normal as they settle into their dorm rooms and adjust to the challenges of 2020. To gain insight into how students are adapting to this unique situation, we spoke to five students from different universities across the country.

Peyton Hanlin, a student at the University of Iowa, shared her experience of returning to school amidst the pandemic. Despite feeling nervous, Peyton found comfort in her university’s increased safety measures, such as scheduled cleanings and social distancing rules. Along with her roommate, Peyton took extra precautions in their dorm room by hanging keys and masks for easy access and stocking up on sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer.

Brooke Vituli, a student at Arizona State University, emphasized the importance of creating a cozy and clean living space in light of spending more time in her room due to online classes and activities. Brooke stocked up on cleaning supplies and essentials to ensure her room remains a safe and comfortable environment.

Breton Clark, a sophomore at Iowa State University, expressed sadness over the changes to the school year but understood the necessity of health and safety precautions. To make her dorm room feel more like home, Breton added decorations and purchased items to prevent the spread of the virus, such as protective covers for toiletries.

Shruthi Rajaram, a student at Ohio State University, found comfort in maintaining a sense of normalcy by keeping her dorm decorations the same. With the implementation of safety rules on campus, Shruthi felt less nervous about returning to school and focused on keeping her space clean and welcoming for friends.

Niya Nyun, a first-year nursing student at Pearl River Community College, prioritized creating a warm and cozy study environment in her dorm room. Niya emphasized the importance of taking safety precautions by regularly cleaning and disinfecting her space to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.

As college students across the country navigate the challenges of the 2020 school year, it’s clear that adapting to a new normal requires creativity, resilience, and a commitment to health and safety. By sharing their unique experiences and strategies for setting up their dorm rooms, these students offer valuable insights into how students are adjusting to the unprecedented circumstances of this year.