The last University of Delaware students left on campus are moving out of their dorms after a confusing week of news and emails from the Office of Residence Life and Housing.
After the first case of novel coronavirus was announced last Wednesday, students were told that spring break would start early, but the residence halls would remain open. Over the next few days, students were told they must move out by Tuesday, and then that students who had already left are not allowed to return for any non-essential belongings.
Junior Gavin Terziu moved back home over the weekend.
“It was very stressful, it was very confusing and anxiety inducing,” said Terziu
Only essential personnel are allowed on campus until further notice and all university buildings are closed.
Terziu says he is also concerned about moving classes online for the remainder of the semester. UD is giving professors two weeks over an extended spring break to rework their curriculum for an online format, which can be difficult for professors teaching hands-on skills classes.
Freshman Meg Roessler is not sure she’ll have as much success learning online rather than in the usual classroom setting.
“Things like UD Capture and the online lectures, sure it’s the same content and I can listen to it and I understand it but I get much more of an experience and understanding when I’m physically watching a professor teach something to me,” said Roessler.
Some international and other students who may pose a risk to their families were granted special permission to stay on campus, but Roessler’s family, who live three hours away in Northern New Jersey was one of many who had to pack up in a panic.
Roessler called moving out a heartbreaking ending to her freshman year.