This semester, most students return to in-person classes, which means new changes for different students. I am a transfer student that came to UC Berkeley when the pandemic began and I had to spend my first year at Cal through Zoom University. When it was announced we would have in-person classes again, unlike most students, I actually dreaded returning to school.
I prefer Zoom University because there is still a high risk of contracting the Delta Variant, despite being vaccinated. I’m optimistic conditions will improve, but I’m still extremely worried that things will worsen because of the return to in-person classes and social gatherings.
Secondly, housing in Berkeley is downright crazy, and for those reasons, I decided to commute to school rather than moving near campus. I applied to co-ops, looked for roommates, and applied to UC Berkeley’s housing, but I had no luck. Now, I drive back and forth (40+ minutes each way) to attend in-person classes. In addition, I have to cross my fingers that I find parking in the designated student permit parking lots, which have limited capacities.
Lastly, when I’m on campus, I’ve struggled to find people to hang out with because most people have already found their friend groups. As a transfer, I barely got to meet new people my first year through Zoom. Now that we are in person, I feel like I’ll still struggle to hang out with new people I do encounter because of my commuting situation. At the beginning of school, there were so many on-campus events, but I had no one to go with. Not to mention, I was tired of driving to campus for just a few hours of socializing before driving back home. Overall, things haven’t necessarily been ideal.
As much as the start of in-person classes made me realize how much I miss Zoom University, I also can see some positive aspects of having in-person classes. I think with time, I will adjust to this new environment and lifestyle for this school year. Since it’s my last year, I know it’s important to make the most of the situation and see the positives in this transitional period. I’m sure I’ll become a better driver from all the driving back and forth and, I admit, making friends in person is much better than on Zoom. Goodbye to awkwardly silent in breakout rooms and hello to growing throughout the semester!