UW-Madison move-in during COVID-19 era: Masks, rules and crossed fingers | Higher education
Across the System, dorm occupancy is down at nearly all campuses compared to last year.
But even operating at reduced occupancy places universities at “more risk” based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. The lowest risk is to keep dorms closed.
UW-Madison expects 6,460 students living in residence halls this fall, down from nearly 8,000 who lived in dorms last school year, according to University Housing. Since June 1, the university received 1,540 cancellations, roughly six times more than in the previous two years.
The students who committed to dorm life said they appreciate UW-Madison giving them the option, if only for a little while.
“This was my dream college and I’m really glad they’re trying,” said Diego Galdamez, of Rochester, Minn.
UW-Madison student Diego Galdamez, of Rochester, Minn., adjusts a mask he was given as part of a welcome packet from UW-Madison’s Division of University Housing.
Anxiety, fear, hope
The first days of the fall semester for freshmen have long been an experience filled with nerves, excitement and a lot of questions.
This class is no different, asking about bus schedules and Wi-Fi and dining hall options.
But freshmen are also wading through higher-stakes scenarios, like where to go if they are exposed to COVID-19 — two weeks in campus quarantine or back home where they could potentially infect their parents — and whether a particular party is worth the risk of a fine, suspension and infection.
