Just For Fun

12 Stages of Adjusting to In-Person Campus Life

Now if only there was a mute button in real life

More than a year ago the commotion on Comm Ave suddenly stopped as the pandemic sent us back home. But now, after adjusting to life online, students are finally back—and the transition isn’t as easy as it seems. Here is our list of the 12 stages of adjusting to in-person campus life. 

1. Extreme hype

It’s finally time. After over a year of hybrid or remote learning, students are back in the classroom. During the pandemic, it was easy to forget the scale of BU. But now, after seeing the horde of students walking along Comm Ave, it feels like a bustling campus again. Enjoy it—and get excited!.

2. Realizing your camera is always on now

We all did it—you wake up for a class at the crack of dawn, fresh in your PJs, and hop on the Zoom call from your bed (camera off of course). But now classes are in person again and showing up to class in pajamas on day one isn’t the best way to make a first impression. Just remember that with in-person classes the camera is always on. 

3. Upset that you also can’t mute any of the embarrassing stuff you say anymore

During the Zoom era, we could say whatever we wanted as long as the mic was muted. But now, when you get an assignment you despise, screaming isn’t an option. 

4. Angry at the lack of open note tests and quizzes

Open note tests were the best thing about remote classes. Not having to purely memorize course content lets many students focus more on learning how to apply concepts rather than repeating info they’ve been told. But with in-person classes back in full swing, we’re all going to have to bust out the flashcards more often this year. 

5. When you learn that you do not need a reservation for FitRec anymore

“I be up in the gym just working on my fitness.”—Fergie

6. Nostalgic for the sweatshirt + shorts combo you rocked to Zoom classes

In-person classes mean we have to dress to impress this year. With no way to turn your camera off, you may not feel comfortable showing up to class in gym shorts and a T-shirt. It’s time to show everyone your post-pandemic outfits—hypebeasts, this is your moment to shine. But hey, if you like wearing sweats to class, then live your truth. 

7. Inevitably rushing to class in person

As a result of online classes, you seemingly forgot how long it would take to get from your dorm to your classes across campus.

8. When you realize you have no clue where your class is

After rushing through crowds of other students, you quickly realize that you know the building you’re supposed to be in, but not the classroom number.

9. Scared to actually hang with people on campus

Now that we’re all back, students can finally take advantage of BU’s facilities again. Feel free to swing by the newly renovated GSU to grab some grub, study, or just chill with friends. But it might take some time to dust off your small-talk skills. Try not to think about it too much—we’re all in the same boat. 

10. Ready to flood the dining hall with your friends

They’re back. The dining halls have opened their doors back up to students. Gone are the days of having to eat your lunch from a dining hall to-go container. Now, you and your friends can actually grab a table and eat together again. 

Just a tip for freshmen: you don’t need someone to eat with every time you go to the dining hall. 

11. Accepting that campus life is back

It’s been over a year since students were able to live a normal campus life, and we can finally start to live life like we used to (with masks and testing, of course). Even though seeing so many faces on Comm Ave may take some getting used to again, it’s nice to know that BU is back. 

12. The “Last-Minute Mask Haul”

Masks are still required around campus, so be sure to have plenty!

Have a great semester, Terriers!