Prior to semester one beginning, the University of Auckland announced that teaching for the first six weeks of the year would be online, with only selected classes being taught in person. However, on-campus facilities, including the general library and study spaces, are open. Craccum spoke to UoA students about if they decided to study on campus.
Brad*, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honors)
“I feel good about going in! I know it’s not the smartest thing, but I see so many people at work so I’m more likely to get Covid through that. Now we are at phase three of red light, I think it makes sense that people doing practical courses like me are allowed back!”
“I think as a postgrad Fine Arts student it’s necessary though, I wouldn’t have come back if I hadn’t. At the beginning of Covid there were so many fine arts students who couldn’t make art the way they wanted because of being stuck at home. We need materials, equipment, and space that is just impossible to get at home.”
“Even just simple things like having wall space to hang big art. Last year and the year before everyone had to completely change their art so it was suitable to be made at home and presented digitally. For some people it’s fine to compromise but other artists literally just ended up handing in written work because there was no way to make their art from home.”
Yasmin, Bachelor of Design and Bachelor of Arts
“I wanted to, but couldn’t justify going in if none of my friends were in the studio. I was really excited to be back on campus for uni this year. I couldn’t wait to see all my friends and catch up; everyone had been really busy over the break with internships, summer jobs and other projects so it was hard to find the time to meet up with people. It just kinda sucks, I have classes of less than 20 people and we can’t go on campus.”
Do you think that more people would go to study on campus if it was normal to do so, even despite the health risks?
I think so, but I also think a lot of people are just reluctant to go in because of the risk of covid. It’s hard to tell, especially given that everyone is doing different classes.”
Liam, Bachelor of Science
“I don’t want to sound like a freedom fighter, but if I have the freedom to come into campus…I will. My home life is good, I can concentrate at home, but it’s just not the same. Having done the majority of my degree online I relish every opportunity I get to go and study on campus. Everyone’s lazier at home, it’s so easy to just get comfortable procrastinating or in your bed and just avoid everything. Everyone’s worried about Covid still, and I still want to avoid it, but if it’s my study or being sick for a week or two? Unfortunately, my degree comes first.”
Vanshika, Bachelor of Optometry
“Basically, we have to go in for all labs and clinics. Our lecturers are online, but most people just come in since we’re already on campus every day for clinics and labs. But obviously if they’re sick or a household contact, they stay home. Also, I just can’t be at home in the halls anymore, I’ll lose my mind.”
