Before students arrived on Brown’s campus this fall, everyone was informed of the now-infamous “Quiet Period.” This 2-week time was designed to keep students, faculty and staff as separated as possible, essentially quarantining the campus within dormitories. Until our arrival, the “Phase Two” move-in students had many unanswered questions and lots of angst regarding the rules and their enforcement. Would we be allowed to step outside? How would we be able to socialize? What would we eat? Overall, though, the experience was much less daunting than initially anticipated. Here is a recap of quarantining on campus.
Move-in: I moved back to campus during the Phase 2 stage, which occurred nearly two weeks after the start of classes. Each move-in time was individually scheduled and key pick-up was located outside. Additionally, Brown hired teams of movers to expedite the process and keep visitors, like parents and guardians, out of the dorms as much as possible. Once I got my key, I found my room – which usually is a double but will serve as a single this year. My room was equipped with a Brown-provided air purifier, microwave, and refrigerator. After I got settled in, it was clear that we were allowed to venture out of our dorm rooms, especially during meals.
The Food: With no eat-in dining facilities, the Ratty and other on-campus meal locations were converted into “meal pickup locations,” assigned based on residence hall. Lunch and dinner were served daily, and each of us received a “breakfast bag” at dinner for the following day. The menu each day consisted of a “regular meal” (similar to the “hot meal” the Ratty would serve on a normal day), a vegan/vegetarian option, and an “alternate meal” (always chicken with plain quinoa and a vegetable). Take-out from restaurants on Thayer and beyond was against Quiet Period rules. The food, overall, was definitely subpar. However, after the end of the 2 weeks, the Ratty, VDub, and Andrews have all opened for take-out. With this new variety, the food situation has definitely improved.
Online Classes: Since the start of (virtual) classes preceded our arrival on campus, moving back to campus, usually a joyous and carefree time, was overshadowed by the need to wake up for a 9am Zoom lecture. Personally, I have no in-person classes so my post-quarantine routine did not differ much from my quiet period. All classes were remote during this time, further confining students on campus to their residence halls.
Socializing: Overall, the quiet period was nowhere near as isolating as I thought it would be. Between socializing with those in your dorm, as well as seeing nearly everyone at meal pick-up times, campus felt somewhat normal again. Despite masks and social distancing, many people found creative and outdoor ways to see their friends. Now that this two-week time is over, students are still abiding by university rules, but managing to have fun while doing so. Everyone has essentially formed a small group of dependable friends called a “pod” and only has close contact with those people.
“Quarantining” on campus was generally a non-isolating experience, given the fact that classes kept everyone busy during the day and meal pick-up allowed for some social interaction. The food, however, was the low point of this time. However, now that quiet period has ended, the meal options have slightly improved and it is easier (and safer) to spend time with a small group of friends.