McMaster students excited for change of scenery

McMaster's incoming class of 2025 couldn't be more thrilled to escape the confines of last year's COVID classrooms - their childhood bedrooms.

I've been locked up in my room pretty much for the last year and a half," said Grady Shin,18, an incoming first-year Mac engineering student as he hauled toilet paper and other essentials up to his new residence room Sunday.

Shin and hundreds of other first years were getting their first taste of freedom this weekend as they - with the help of their parents - moved into on-campus residences. Sunday was the third of eight possible move-in days, a process that usually takes just two days but was stretched out this year to accommodate better physical distancing.

The day was significantly more subdued than move-in days of the past, but it still brought a sense of normalcy to campus, said Holly Gibson, a McMaster spokesperson. Last year, campus was all but deserted, save for international students living in residence.

Throughout the very hot afternoon, student volunteers cheered and danced as students shuttled back and forth from the check-in desk to their parents' cars to their new rooms. Usually, the volunteers would be helping students move in. This year, to minimize in-person contact, they've been replaced with big bins on wheels.

Another thing that's different about this year - students have to show proof of vaccination before they get their room keys. McMaster has implemented a mandatory vaccine policy for this coming school year. Students also can't have visitors unless they live in the same building.

No matter - they're just excited to be here.

It'll be a nice change of pace from living at home, just sitting inside all day," said Jill Woudstra, 18, a first-year student originally from Georgetown, Ont.

And they have it one better than last year's incoming students, many of whom likely never stepped foot on campus.

Gibson said the now-second-year students aren't able to live in residence due to limited availability, they will get a make-up welcome week in September.

And even though students will physically be on campus, their classes might not be. Some classes will still be online-only for the foreseeable future.

There were mixed emotions all around on Sunday. For some students, this is the first time they'll be living away from home.

My parents and my dog," said Sydney White, 17, when asked what she'll miss most about home.

You said that in the right order," her mom laughed.

Katrina Clarke is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach her via email: katrinaclarke@thespec.com