When freshman Janet Hernandez first arrived at Harvard University on August 29, her most important destination was the science center. That was where, in a large white tent, she got tested for the coronavirus for the first time.
After she left, she entered into what the school calls "phase one" of quarantine: She wasn't allowed to leave her room for 24 hours or until she tested negative, whichever came first. She said that the only reason students could leave their rooms during phase one was if they had a hallway bathroom.
Once she tested negative, she entered phase two: She was now allowed out for 30-minute walks and could pick up mail and takeout from the dining hall.
And, now that she's tested negative three times, she's entered phase three. She can hang out in groups of five, and walk around campus unrestricted.
In July, Harvard announced its reopening plan. Classes would remain completely remote, but 40% of its undergraduates could return to campus.
For the fall semester, first-year students were invited to return, along with students "who may not be able to learn successfully in their current home learning environment"; if the school continues to remain at 40% density, the senior class will be invited to campus for the spring.
Ultimately, the school anticipated that, based on the number of students who opted to return, only about 25% would return to campus.
"I feel like it's really surpassed my expectations," Hernandez said. "I was talking to a couple of students about this yesterday, and I feel like we really like made the best out of the situation. And it kind of is a little bit sucky to say, but it is the new normal."
Here's what Hernadez's experience at Harvard has been like during the pandemic.
Harvard University did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.