What it's like to be a New York University student living on campus right now, from a mandatory 2-week quarantine in a dorm room to a $100 Grubhub gift card for meals

Laura CascadoSep 17, 2020, 18:53 IST

Dorothy Akpovwa.Dorothy Akpovwa

Dorothy Akpovwa is a 19-year-old sophomore studying computer science at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering.
In mid-August, she flew to New York from her home in Georgia to enter a two-week quarantine to be able to attend the start of in-person classes on September 2.
While being in quarantine was an adjustment, Akpovwa says she's happy with how NYU handled the transition into the fall semester. She said she feels safe being on campus thanks to the school's safety regulations and testing policies.

As the fall semester begins for colleges around the US amid the COVID-19 pandemic, some university campuses are remaining closed while others are fully reopening. Dorothy Akpovwa, a sophomore at New York University studying computer science, is taking advantage of her school's hybrid option.

All classes at NYU are available virtually and only some are being held in person, so students can choose to be fully remote or to attend their in-person classes, Akpovwa says.

"NYU gave us the option: If you want to come back you can come back, if you don't want to, then you can just stay at home," Akpovwa told Business Insider. "Most of my friends are coming back, we're excited to be back on campus again."

She decided she wanted to be on campus this fall, and so she moved into her dorm room on August 19 in order to quarantine for two weeks before the start of classes on September 2.

For Akpovwa, being on campus in New York is important, and one of the main reasons why she chose the school.

Akpovwa at Washington Square Park nearby NYU's Manhattan campus. Dorothy Akpowva

NYU's quarantine rules are strict for incoming students.

Akpovwa's bed and desk in her dorm room at NYU, where she currently does not have a roommate. Dorothy Akpovwa.

At first, Akpovwa says she was anxious about having to spend two weeks by herself in quarantine.

Akpovwa says it took a few days to adjust to being alone in her dorm room all day. Dorothy Akpowva

During quarantine, Akpovwa says it helped to develop a consistent daily routine.

Dorothy Akpowva

In-person classes have additional restrictions aimed to keep students safe.

Akpovwa says that during in-person classes, students must wear their face coverings at all times. Dorothy Akpowva

Akpovwa takes the school shuttle to her in-person classes on the Brooklyn campus.

Dorothy Akpowva

She says NYU was proactive in creating virtual events for students in quarantine.

Singer John Legend was a special guest at a virtual welcome event on September 1. Dorothy Akpowva

As dining halls reopen, the college has taken additional safety measures to ensure food and health safety.

Dorothy Akpowva

NYU told Business Insider that currently dining halls are operating exclusively in "grab and go" mode.

A hot to-go meal that Akpovwa picked up from one of NYU's dining halls once they reopened in early September. Dorothy Akpowva

Student clubs have also adapted to an online format this fall.

Akpovwa in a Zoom meeting for the National Society of Black Engineers at Tandon. Dorothy Akpowva

Overall, Akpovwa is happy with how NYU has handled reopening during the pandemic.

Dorothy Akpowva

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What it's like to be a New York University student living on campus right now, from a mandatory 2-week quarantine in a dorm room to a $100 Grubhub gift card for meals

For Akpovwa, being on campus in New York is important, and one of the main reasons why she chose the school.

NYU's quarantine rules are strict for incoming students.

At first, Akpovwa says she was anxious about having to spend two weeks by herself in quarantine.

During quarantine, Akpovwa says it helped to develop a consistent daily routine.

In-person classes have additional restrictions aimed to keep students safe.

Akpovwa takes the school shuttle to her in-person classes on the Brooklyn campus.

She says NYU was proactive in creating virtual events for students in quarantine.

As dining halls reopen, the college has taken additional safety measures to ensure food and health safety.

NYU told Business Insider that currently dining halls are operating exclusively in "grab and go" mode.

Student clubs have also adapted to an online format this fall.

Overall, Akpovwa is happy with how NYU has handled reopening during the pandemic.