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UC San Diego students adapt to changes upon return to campus

Posted at 12:39 PM, Sep 28, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-28 15:39:29-04

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Though the academic school year begins Monday, most UC San Diego students have a few more days before they have to log onto their online classes. But, that’s not the only changes students are dealing with this semester.

Student Anthony Sanchez said nothing seems normal this semester. Going into his second year, he’s adapting to changes the university has made to try and prevent the spread of the coronavirus on campus.

“I understand why they have to do it and I understand and agree with it. But from the student perspective, I’m 19, and it’s not really a fun thing to go through right now,” Sanchez said.

Ninety percent of UC San Diego classes will be held virtually, and there will be many students like Sanchez that will be logging on from campus housing. He’s hoping this semester will go a lot smoother than last semester.

Sanchez added, “This fall, I’m expecting it to be better in terms of how it’s structured. Because a lot of teachers were going on the fly and setting up lectures and scheduling as it was going. I’m expecting it to be more organized.”

Sanchez told ABC 10News that the school was organized when it came to students moving into campus housing. There were about 7,500 students that returned to campus.

The move-in days were spread out over 10 days to space people out. Each student could only bring two people to help them move.

Each student was also given a coronavirus test, and Sanchez said he got his results within 48 hours.

To help control the spread of COVID-19 on campus, the university also launched a voluntary program that utilizes smartphone technology to notify students if they may have been exposed.

As for Sanchez, and what’s ahead for this fall quarter, he said he’ll just work on following the rules and saying positive to get through the year.

“I guess I’m just going to have to make it the best that I can with what I can. It should be interesting,” Sanchez said.

As far as testing, all students that live in on-campus housing and those that attend classes on campus are required to get tested for the coronavirus twice a month.