As the 2019-2020 school year is coming to an end, students are looking forward to the possible reopening of colleges and universities come the fall semester. Most universities have implemented distance learning since the middle of March. What once was just supposed to be a short, two-week quarantine period, quickly changed to cutting in-person classes for the rest of the spring semester, as well as summer. The "stay-at-home" orders are being lifted or reduced in some states, and students are hopeful to re-integrate into "normal" college life in the Fall. I asked college students from all over the country what they miss most about being on campus since now they're stuck in quarantine, and what they are looking forward to come the fall semester.
1. "My Friends!!! I'm looking forward to independence when I move back into the dorms!" - Hailey, FGCU
2. "Not having strict RA's at home lol" - Jalina GCU
3. "I miss having my own place to live, and I'm excited to graduate in August."- Aurely, FGCU
4. "Friends and seeing people" Theresa, CU Denver
5. "My boyfriend and being in Florida" - Emily, FGCU
6. "My friends and actually being in person for classes, that's what I miss and look forward to"- Alexis, CSU
7. "I miss seeing my friends every day and being stupid"- Ali, CSU
8. "Friends <3 and having more freedom"- Isabel, FGCU
9. "My friends" - Josie, WCU
10. "A schedule and being around my friends everyday"- Hannah, AU
11. "The girls jk I miss just going to class and having a routine to my day"- Dario, MSU Denver
12. "Foco :( "- Shannon, CSU
13. "What I miss the most is leaving the crib. I'm not looking forward to anything because we are going to have online classes which suck." Roberto- MSU Denver
14. "Growing, supporting, and celebrating with my best friends!!" Emma, CU
15. "Walking to classes. Sounds stupid, but it was a time to myself everyday to relax"- Tyler, UW
16. "I miss being on our beautiful campus and enjoying the walks to class with friends. For Fall, I can't wait to be in classes I enjoy and start a new journey as President of the Equestrian team!" - Cameron, FGCU
Opening this question up to other students in similar situations helped me realize that we are all going through the same thing. We are all eager, yet anxious, for school to start up again. For me, I miss being within walking distance of my friends. Luckily, most of us live within a few hours of each other, but it's still hard for us to find time to make that drive with quarantine, summer classes, and virtual extra-curriculars still going on. I'm most looking forward to actually getting to room with my friends next year. I didn't know anyone coming into my first year of college, so I had a random roommate. I'm excited to finally be living with my pals and make some exciting memories.
