If University of Guelph students have any concerns about living on campus this year, it may be for reasons other than their personal safety.
"I'm scared it won't be the same as a normal school year, but with the safety measure, I feel comfortable living (on campus) because I know everyone is vaccinated," said first-year student Jessica Dougall, "I think if everyone follows protocol I'll be fine."
This year, around 4,000 students will be living on campus, approximately 85 per cent of the occupancy rate the university would see pre-COVID. On Saturday, the residence buildings were crawling with students, parents, staff and volunteers.
To live in residence, the university has made it a requirement that students are fully vaccinated within 30 days of moving into residence. Any students who arrive onto campus partially vaccinated were asked to submit a confirmation of the first dose, and a plan for obtaining the second. More information about the vaccine requirement for students living on campus can be found here.
Patrick Kelly, the acting director for student housing services, said many families have been appreciative of the vaccination mandate.
“A lot are understanding that we've had to implement a lot of changes,” said Kelly.
Jessica's mom, Brenda Dougall, doesn't have too many concerns about her daughter moving into residence.
"We're really comfortable with it," she said.
Kelly adds while concerns about safety are going to be expected, he hopes there is some excitement too.
"This part of campus couldn't happen previously, so we're keeping our eyes open."
To help control student traffic, Kelly said the university has allowed students to move in on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“A few years ago we would have everyone move in,” he said.
Sam Heard, a member of student services, adds normally student athletes help families during move in day as well.
“This year it's hard because four people have to carry everything up flights of stairs,” she said.
Despite the changes, there is still an air of excitement around many first year students who are looking forward to having independence.
"I'm so excited, it hasn't really hit me yet that it's real," said Dougall, who is moving into Prarie Hall at the south residences.
Sebastian Thornbury, another first year student, said he was a little apprehensive when he moved into residence, but is now excited to be living on campus.
"Everyone is so friendly," he said, "When I was moving, everyone was asking if I needed help and stuff."
A first year student herself, Heard said she is looking forward to building relationships on campus, especially after online learning.
“I’d like to build that sense of community, especially when we’ve been deprived for so long," she said.
