By Kailee Heffler
Moving out of their dorms came a few months early this year for Quinnipiac students.
Due to the spread of COVID-19, more commonly known as Coronavirus, Quinnipiac has decided students are not allowed to return to campus for the remainder of the semester.
This means all QU housing is now closed.
The now-empty dorms of Quinnipiac University
In an email sent to the Quinnipiac student body by President Olian she stated, “students will not return to campus after the extended spring break, and the remainder of the spring semester will be delivered online. University housing will be closed for the remainder of the spring semester with the exception of special cases that need accommodation.”
With many students only leaving a few days earlier for only spring break, they did not bring home the necessary materials and things they would need to spend the rest of the semester at home.
“I didn’t bring enough supplies home for spring break because I wasn’t expecting to stay away for so long,” said second-year student Katt Gould.
Many students are frustrated over the lack of communication from QU concerning a plan for students to retrieve their items.
“I understand that this is new for everyone, but for the students all of our belongings are on campus and I personally get anxious when everything is up in the air. I think it is not fair to families to not give a plan,” said second-year student Zoe Swantak.
Though Quinnipiac has not released an official move out date for students, students have been returning to campus to grab their belongings.
“I called Res Life on Monday and asked if we could move out and I was told that we could get things that were necessary. I guess a lot of people didn’t really understand this since they did not communicate it well. I just went and grabbed my clothes and other daily things I use,” said second-year student Caley Nigro.
Some students said it was challenging to move out so suddenly if they wanted their belongings.
“I live 4 hours away so it was difficult because my parents had to take off work so I could use two cars,” said Swantek.
The lack of communication from the University has also caused panic among the student body when it comes to retrieving their items.
“Everyone I talked to was so anxious and nervous about not being able to get their things so everyone rushed to get their stuff,” said Nigro. “There was definitely a sense of anxiety in the air especially with the concerns of the virus and how we are told to social distance but at the same time we had to get our things as I only packed enough to last me spring break.”
For students who have moved out, it was difficult to retrieve their items due to so many students returning at once.
“I got there around 12 p.m. on Tuesday and it was a madhouse. There were people parked everywhere, even double parked in Hill Circle and there was no public safety around directing traffic and helping to control the area.” said Nigro.
Some students believe QU took the steps needed in order to ensure the safety of the Quinnipiac community.
“I think it’s unfortunate but a necessary step to take, we’ve seen plenty of examples around the world of countries that didn’t take precautions in time and now they are suffering the consequences,” said third-year student Will Fowler.
As of today, the University has not announced any further decisions about when students will retrieve their items.