As the symptom checker webpage loads and my face begins to itch from wearing a mask, the distant memory of a Covid-19 free campus comes flashing back. This fall, NYU Abu Dhabi welcomed around 700 students to live on campus. When everything else seemed foreign and uncertain, NYUAD provided many students with a place to stay, given that they would abide by certain regulations. Upon arrival, students began a mandatory quarantine period in their rooms for two weeks where they received three meals per day and a one time optional delivery from the convenience store. As more students started to appear on the highline after their respective quarantine periods ended, the campus started to feel more familiar, yet still quite foreign.

Image courtesy of Malak Abdel-Ghaffar

The experience of online classes adds an entirely new dimension to being on campus. Although most students have previously lived on Saadiyat, this experience has allowed some students to feel more in control of their lives and their schedules.

“I thought taking classes from my room would become suffocating and annoying, but I actually love it and think it's perfect for senior year. I love the freedom I have with my schedule and how everything is now more intimate and relaxing,” said Salma Soliman, Class of 2021. But online classes are only one of the many changes that happened this semester.

Image courtesy of Malak Abdel-Ghaffar

One of the most significant changes on campus is the entrance and exit policies to buildings. The campus now operates under a “one-way” system where you can’t enter and exit from the same doors. This system limits direct contact between students, but makes the process of getting around campus quite burdensome. Additionally, students must present their “Symptom Checker” at every building. Everyone is required to have their temperature checked when entering a building. In the Campus Center, students must also present a negative PCR test taken within the past 14 days along with their NYU student ID.

Image courtesy of Malak Abdel-Ghaffar

Fortunately, most places around campus are able to operate business as usual, with public health and social distancing guidelines in place. Students are still allowed to study at the Library Cafe but are required to wear their face masks at all times, except when they’re eating or drinking. The desks and chairs are disinfected after every use, with Serco Desk Cleaning cards indicating that the desk has been recently used and requires cleaning. This cleaning system ensures a smooth and safe turnover between students and maintains the cleanliness of all shared spaces.

Image courtesy of Malak Abdel-Ghaffar

Thanks to the Campus Spaces Committee, the Marketplace opened for dine-in on Sept. 20. With the new Falcon Dirhams system, regularly eating at the Market Place will now be easier.

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“I regularly eat and study at the Marketplace. If I’m not there, I’m at Blacksmith or Sushi Counter. They’re my go-to’s this semester,” said Farida Shaaban, Class of 2021. Even though classes are taken remotely, there are still many operational spaces around campus that students can go to for a change of scenery.

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“I like going to the convenience store for snacks after my workout at the gym. The gym slots fill up really quickly and so I often work out in my room. At first, it was annoying, but now I actually enjoy that balance between both,” commented Omar Kamal, Class of 2021.

The gym has implemented a new system that requires students to book their slots beforehand, so the gym is maintained under the maximum capacity and is regularly cleaned.

Starting Sept. 6, the Library implemented a similar system. Students can study in the main Study Hall during limited hours and occupancy is limited to 90 people at a time, while the Mezzanine Level remains closed. Outside of the Study Hall hours, the library is closed for sanitation.

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When everything starts to feel too overwhelming, East Dining Hall continues to provide a sense of familiarity and comfort to many NYUAD students. It is operational with a seating capacity of up to four people per table, while abiding by social distancing protocols. Students take off their masks while eating, it is the only place on campus where students can see many familiar faces that are not hidden behind face masks.

“Seeing everyone here and meeting the Dining Hall staff again reminded me of what being on campus feels like. I had missed that so much,” said Deena Abubaker, Class of 2021.

Similarly, students are starting to reconnect with their Student Interest Groups through virtual events and gatherings. Last week, the NYUAD Mentorship Network held its annual kick off event virtually. “Even though we had some technical difficulties at first, it was incredible to have a successful event with the mentees and the mentors from the community. We are looking forward to the rest of the events we are planning to host virtually this semester,” said Daniella Aruina, Class of 2021, and an E-board member of the NYUAD Mentorship Network.

Image courtesy of Malak Abdel-Ghaffar

Thankfully, Covid-19 did not ruin the most beautiful place to be at in NYUAD —underneath the palm trees. Now that the weather is becoming more bearable, the outdoor seating scattered around campus gives students the opportunity to sit and breathe some fresh air.

This is a special year at NYUAD, and the way we live on campus has been drastically altered. Yet, regardless of the on campus restrictions, there is something special about running into a friend or staff member and reconnecting with the NYUAD community. As we transition into a new normal, and students experience NYUAD differently from around the world, it’s important to remember these small, mundane moments on campus that make this semester distinct and memorable despite the circumstances.