PRINCE GEORGE – Living on campus amidst a global pandemic will be much different than before for students at UNBC.
Previously, capacity has been upwards of 500 residents, this year it’s been reduced drastically.
A limit was set at 200, but demand has plummeted because of the transition to online learning. This fall will see less than 140 students in dorms, many of whom are student-athletes or international students who were in Canada prior to COVID-19.
The residences will also have a ‘Quarantine Wing’ if students have to self-isolate because of possible COVID-19 symptoms.
Social gatherings on campus will be limited, with strict social distancing guidelines and limits to the number of attendees. Manager of Housing and Resident Life at UNBC, Justin Foster, says his job which is normally organizing events for students has forced him to get creative.
“We’re going to be learning along with the students as for things we can, and can’t do,” says Foster “maintaining that fun campus environment is going to be our main goal.”
The normal ‘Backyard BBQ’ concert event won’t be happening this year either.
There will be some activities for students on campus, they might just look and sound different than in previous years.
The way the plans lie, UNBC student housing almost acts like its own bubble. Similar to that of the NHL’s setup in Edmonton.
No outside visitors or guests are allowed, no girlfriends or boyfriends either.
How that will be enforced is still relatively unclear, for the most part, it may be up to the students to abide.
Incoming student-athlete, Camryn Cline, from Powell River, BC says she doesn’t know what to expect.
“I think it will be a lot different than a normal year, but I’m sure we’ll find ways to make it fun anyways,” says Cline.
Cline would’ve been playing games for the UNBC Timberwolves women’s soccer team, instead, she’ll only be training until competition can resume.
