Last year, after students left for Spring Break, some never returned, as classes converted to an entirely online format in response to COVID-19. On May 27, 2020, IU President Michael McRobbie announced students would be welcomed back to all campuses with a blend of in-person and online classes. Some students were excited, others were nervous, and some thought it was too good to be true. IU implemented its COVID-19 testing policy and Dashboard to keep students, faculty, and staff up-to-date on the latest data, trends, and statistics.

For high school graduates, they had to decide if they wanted to transition to college and start this new chapter of their lives amid a pandemic. College seniors had to accept they would most likely be spending their last year primarily on the online Zoom platform, and graduating without having family and friends in attendance.

Upon their return to Bloomington for Fall 2020, students learned they would not get a fall break. When they left campus for Thanksgiving week, all instruction would be done remotely for the remainder of the semester, and spring break would be replaced by three wellness days spread out over several months.

Freshmen living in residential housing were assigned to single occupancy by default. Some were apprehensive about starting Indiana University in a dorm room all by themselves, making it harder to meet new people.

IU freshman Aram Hengen from Providence, Rhode Island was eager to come to IU. Hengen selected Indiana University because its ballet program is one of the best in the country. He is also interested in business, and the Kelley School of Business is ranked #11 overall.

On the other end of the college continuum are the seniors.  Ending your college career in a pandemic is devastating to some. Graduating and securing that first job can be daunting in normal times, let alone in a pandemic when employment is going down. Also, to study for four or more years and not have the opportunity to walk across the stage to receive a diploma was upsetting to 2020 graduates.

IU senior Sierra Bergdoll says she has stayed as optimistic as she can during the challenges faced this past year. Unlike the seniors last May, Bergdoll will be able to participate in an in-person but socially distanced commencement ceremony. While she has not secured a full-time job after graduation, Bergdoll will be moving on to an internship with USA football upon graduation.

Regardless of where a student is in their college journey, it has been a tough year. Thirteen months into the pandemic, IU students feel better days are coming. Generally speaking, COVID rates are falling, and nationwide anyone 16 years and older is eligible to receive a free COVID-19 vaccination. IU Bloomington’s Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall is one of the mass vaccination sites.