After going virtual in early spring 2020 when the pandemic hit the world, people were anxious to get out of the house. Then came fall semester 2022, where students and faculty are back on-site being accompanied by new anxieties and stresses.

Sahira Khan (senior, Liberal Studies) said she is exhausted, both physically and mentally. 

“It was stressful dealing with everything going on at home while learning the online environment of school,” Khan explains, “I am a parent student, so I like the flexibility that online offers me. I get to complete my degree without worrying about childcare for my kids.” 

There were a lot of worries that people were having mental health problems being stuck at home and not socializing. Yet it seems that people adapted to the home environment and enjoyed the convenience much more than they originally believed. 

Social anxiety has been a new issue that people have been experiencing after socializing from a distance. It is even being called “re-entry anxiety” for those who hadn’t experienced anxiety prior.

Here are some tips to help with the coping from an anxiety expert. A few points are key to success.

1. Start slowly: Take everything one step at a time to get back to the old routine you have been following for years.

2. Expect anxiety: Accepting that there will be uncomfortable feelings will help the process move forward.

3. Returning: Communicate your feelings to your instructors. 

If you are experiencing more than you expected, reach out to Counseling and Psychological services here on campus. These services can be helpful in mental health management.

Although it has been tough on many to return, some students have been more than willing to be out and socializing again.

Gabriela Muro (junior, Communication Studies) suggests making friends with the people around you. 

“Join a club or two,” Muro said.

She believes that becoming comfortable with the environment around you will help the transition feel easier, adding that there will always be the convenience that online courses offer. 

“I actually prefer being an online student just because I can work on stuff at my own time and many times only have to worry about a due date,” she said.  

Muro has joined the College Corps and felt that it put her in touch with other students who have the same passion in community service. Joining clubs on campus will help students feel connected to likeminded individuals. It will help ease the tension of being back in person.

Naomi Carrera (senior, Marketing) has enjoyed being back on campus for the social experience. Carrera said there are pros to being on campus.

“My classes this semester have been discussion based and I wouldn’t have experienced this if classes were virtual, she said, “it’s exciting to finally be able to go back to campus everyday.” 

Naomi Carrera has advice for students to getting back on campus is.

“Remember that all of us students feel the same, this semester was a weird transition for all students,” she said. “Go to the library or out to the quad and this will help with getting adjusted with being on campus as a college student and getting to enjoy it.”