As a freshman I had nothing to really compare it to, but I’m excited this year to meet more people and make more connections, to have a fuller college experience.
Vehicles loaded with clothing, lamps, bedding, Ramen Noodles and more made their way to campus last week as students moved into the residence halls at Bridgewater State University.
“This is awesome,” said Gary Munroe of Holbrook who took a break from helping daughter, Bailey, move into Weygand Hall. “It’s great to see (students) get out of their homes and back to school where they can enjoy their college experience. I really do love the campus, it’s nice and clean, the dorm is great and we’re really happy with the college.”
Plans call for this academic year to be different than last, with students back on campus and enjoying face-to-face classes again. Mandatory vaccination requirements are in place, as are many of the pandemic-related safety protocols.
Sophomore Graham Inzana lived on campus last year and, because of COVID-19, said many of his peers opted to stay and learn from home because most classes were taught online.
During move-in this year, he said, things already feel much different.
“There are more people here and it feels like a real college experience,” Graham said. “The halls were emptier last year but seeing more names on the doors is great. I’m looking forward to meeting more people and making new friends.”
Alyssa Beitz, ’24, also lived on campus last year and is eager to see how it differs.
“As a freshman I had nothing to really compare it to, but I’m excited this year to meet more people and make more connections, to have a fuller college experience,” she said.
Sophomore Cassie Lavigne and her brother Collin, a senior, are both residing at BSU this year.
Last year Collin opted to stay at their family home in Acushnet, while Cassie moved on campus to start her college career.
“He lived on campus for his freshman and sophomore years and loved the environment,” Cassie said. “For me, last year was different, but I am looking forward to in-person classes. I haven’t experienced that yet and I’m looking forward to things being a little more normal.”
Even with the current mask mandate in place for indoor spaces, being back at BSU is worth it said history major Patrick Pfluke, ’24.
“As long as we don’t get sent home, and can still live on campus, I’m cool with it,” he said.
This is the third year Chonlee Cine, a junior education major from Everett, has lived on campus. He is hopeful things can return to the way they were pre-pandemic.
“Not being able to interact with people last year, not being able to see your friends inside of the buildings, it was tough,” he said. “The past two years have honestly felt like a blur. I’m trying to slow things down and enjoy college, to make it fun again.”
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