The coronavirus pandemic has posed a challenge to all of us over the last couple of years. Whether it is, social distancing, mask mandates, or vaccine requirements, there has been a plethora of changes that have been put into effect. 

March of 2020 was an unprecedented year for people around the world, but those in the United States are still trying to figure out how to return to normal, or at least a sense of normalcy. Abbi Taylor, a senior at Bradley University and a Dietetics major agreed that it’s time to start getting used to our surroundings.

“I don’t ever think that there will ever be a ‘normal’ anymore,” she said. “The events happening are always changing culture and the world as we know it.”

After everything that everyone has been through since 2019, it is evident that this new “normal” that we are all experiencing may be around longer than expected. Fortunately, there have been changes made both on and off-campus to accommodate. 

“My college experience has been mostly remote since the pandemic,” said Abbi. “I think that the availability of online classes will stay in effect as many students and professors still enjoy teaching or learning in that capacity.”

On the other side of the spectrum, it is evident that not everyone is a fan of Zoom University. It has proved to help some individuals out, but, unfortunately, it is not the most ideal situation for everyone considering the lack of equal resources. 

“I believe our newfound reliance on the internet and the ability to do many tasks with just a smartphone and an internet connection will be permanent,” said Lexi Juergens, junior at Illinois State University. Being able to connect via the internet has been a lifesaver when stuck at home, but it has not been available for everyone. 

The Pew Research Center found that 53% of Americans thought that internet access was essential to them in the pandemic, but not everyone has easy access. If higher education continues to utilize online territory, changes need to be made to ensure equal access all around. 

Over a quarter of adults in the U.S. do not have internet available to them at home, so unless students are on campus, many may not have it readily available to them. 

Students nowadays have to worry about more than just their education. Alysia Solis, Hospitality Management major and senior at Bradley, said that her idea of the “college experience” has been skewed since the pandemic. 

“The college experience is all about surviving at this point,” said Alysia. “Prior to March 2020, I would have said the college experience would be about making memories with others; however, now I find myself constantly navigating all of the constant changes and consequences of poor choices.”

  It is with high hopes that college campuses would return to normal, but it is clear that many of these changes are there for the long haul. With the willingness to make the most of their current situation, college students are doing their best to keep up with the current requirements. 

For more information regarding the coronavirus pandemic and how to stay safe on campus, visit the CDC’s website.