After our second semester was cut short back in 2020, we reflect on how it feels to return back on campus after finishing a whole academic year online.

June 7 marked the unofficial return-back-to-semi-normality for first and second-year English students. Whilst I should have felt excited to go back on campus, a part of me was nervous: “Would it be the same with everyone?” I asked myself. How would the journey go?

All of these questions clouded my mind yet I felt in my element like I had a purpose.

Although this year hasn’t really stopped university students from working relentlessly and having purpose or direction every day, there is something about getting on the tube to go to university. The journey there was reflective and a pleasant (albeit, too hot) reminder of what is expecting the majority of us when we finally go back to campus.

Back Home

Despite my first year of university abruptly ending last year, seeing the College building again conjured the same feelings I felt on my first day during Welcome Week back in 2019. But this time, I didn’t feel as consumed and lost as I felt on that day, this time I felt like I knew the ins and outs.

Needlessly to point out, there weren’t many people around the area and in the building. But, being there without a large swarm of people felt wrong as I didn’t feel the overwhelming rush I’d felt before when I’d be in a hurry for my seminars or lectures. 

Once I stepped into the building, I felt a bit out of practice with it all. Before, we’d been accustomed to the rush and routine. For instance, as you enter the building, you would know exactly where your ID card would be in the deep depths of your bag and how to swipe your card to enter. Yet, now, I even struggled to swipe my card to enter the building. 

Comfort in the Lecture Hall

The corridors felt deserted, yet memories did come flooding back to standing outside lecture rooms waiting impatiently for lectures to begin and the smell of coffee from Baxter’s in the College building. We walked down to the English common room section to see social distancing signs put everywhere, despite there not being anyone present to socially distance. Our beloved avocado plant in the common room was missing (which was actually the most disappointing aspect of going back). 

Although everything felt a bit disjointed and strange when I first entered, things started to fall back into place again. The rooms and building felt familiar, talking to friends didn’t feel as difficult and most importantly, I didn’t feel the need to scramble onto my phone to download the CityNav app to find the lecture hall we’d be in for the day.  

Once we’d entered the lecture hall, it was comforting. People started talking to each other again, clearly, we just needed to open up and share our experiences with each other. It seemed as though people were desperate to find common ground and relatability with online university and lockdown. Sitting separately from each other didn’t hinder people from forming and restoring previous relationships. Admittedly, the strangest aspect was having to keep a mask on throughout – at this point we’re all very used to having them on, but it felt wrong to keep one on during the meetup. 

What’s To Be Expected

Following the lecture it was time to go home, but, before that, we decided to have a little tour of the building. It seemed as though the university is prepared for our return and is desperate for the hustle and bustle of the students and staff members.