Move-in begins at Butler University
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Thousands of students are moving into their dorms in the middle of a pandemic. Butler University began welcoming students back on campus Saturday.
Students have faith in the safety measures in place- but especially students far from home are worried about how their year could end up.
It’s move-in day at Butler University, but campus was quiet Saturday. Students are staggering their arrival to stay safe from the virus.
Chyna Clark was moving into her dorm on Saturday. This year, she’s a junior.
“Very different!” Clark said. “We’re used to just walking in and there are lots more people, lots more helpers. But this is very different. Very quiet. I like it on campus right now!”
But she’s not just preparing to move into a dorm — she’s resident assistant this year, so she’s trying to prepare a positive environment for her underclassmen during a time when physical contact is tough.
“I think we’re going to do a lot of stuff virtually,” Clark said. We have training soon, so I think we’re going to learn a little bit more about how to stay safe and keep our residents safe.”
Butler is taking precautions as students move in to reduce risk- including free COVID tests as students arrive with the help of Dr. Aziz Medical Clinic. Students should also follow standard COVID guidelines and pack as light in case they test positive for COVID and need to go home or move to an isolation room.
“This is kind of my first big outing and it’s college,” Clark said. “So very nervous, but I think that they’re doing some good things. I’m glad we got tested before we could even move in.”
Clark says stepping onto campus this year, even with the precautions, is a little nerve-wracking… But she’s excited to see what her junior year brings.
“I think I just would have liked a little more time to make a decision,” Clark said. “We are finding out things like two weeks before we have to go, so kind of trying to get back into the mindset is kind of hard.”
Butler isn’t the only college to do move-in this weekend. Indiana University, the largest college in the state, starts move-in Sunday.