By Devin Rank

Living on campus during the pandemic has not been easy for many students at the University of Maryland. UMD’s Department of Residence Life announced their expectations for students living on campus in light of the recent sequester-in-place, which are “to flatten the curve, stop the spread,” according to UMD’s housing website.

These restrictions are meant to protect student’s health, but they have caused students to question whether they want to continue to live on campus. 

Caroline O’Connor, a sophomore education major, lives in Calvert Hall on South Campus. Next year she plans to live in College Park Towers, an off-campus apartment building.

“It has definitely been hard living on-campus during the pandemic. I have two random roommates who don’t share the same views as me regarding COVID-19,” O’Connor said. “I often feel uncomfortable whenever I leave my apartment even just to visit friends within my circle because my roommates are very strict.” 

O’Connor also said that living on campus with people she does not know can get very lonely. She is looking forward to having her own space next year in an off-campus apartment, especially since living on campus has made her feel isolated. 

Sophomore broadcast journalism major Hojung Ryu lives in a sorority house on Fraternity Row but plans to live off campus in Landmark Apartments next year so that she will be closer to campus. 

Ryu said it is hard living with so many people during a pandemic. Still, it has been fun, too.

 “We have worked out and found solutions to safely socialize and still enjoy our lives here on campus,” Ryu said.

Incoming freshmen and students who plan to live on campus next fall are able to register for housing until March 26 at 4 p.m. according to Tracy Kiras, the assistant director for communications and marketing for the Department of Resident Life. 

Kiras said this year on the opening day, March 1, they had a record number of agreements submitted and that the department expects residence halls to be at single or double room occupancy. 

Nobody knows what the fall semester will look like. The university will continue to work to ensure the health and safety of UMD students and expects on-campus housing to be back to few to no vacancies, Kiras said.

Featured image: Dorms are operating differently this year, with most students living in single-occupancy rooms due to strict regulations. Photo by Joel Lev-Tov.