‘It’s better than what I expected.’ UC Merced students celebrate start of new school year
The UC Merced campus was abuzz Wednesday as students, faculty and staff gathered for the start of its 18th academic year.
As campus life geared up for fall semester, students arriving on campus were filled with many of the typical hopes and fears expected for the first day of instruction.
“It’s great. I’m meeting a ton of people,” said Lucas Santos, an 18-year old freshman studying business management. “It’s better than what I expected.”
But between the COVID-19 pandemic and critical student housing shortages, UC Merced students have faced unprecedented hurdles in recent years.
Students who spoke with the Sun-Star reported that they had no issue finding housing either on or off campus — a stark difference from last year, when the start of in-person instruction was delayed due to a student housing shortage.
This year, the university had no housing wait list and housed the largest number of on-campus residents ever at 4,200 students, according to university officials.
Dean of Students Heather French said her department and the housing office worked to advocate for individual students facing housing barriers and ensure no student was unable to attend UC Merced on account of lacking a place to live.
Although COVID-19 remains an ongoing factor, university officials say the campus has largely adjusted to the new normal triggered by the pandemic.
French described the first day of classes as a “vibrant return to campus, almost what you would have seen pre-pandemic.” “But we are doing that with caution,” she added. “We’ve learned a lot.”
Masks are currently mandated indoors at UC Merced due to local transmission levels. All faculty, staff and students were also required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 two weeks before the fall term.
Students who spoke with the Sun-Star reported that while COVID-19 is still on their mind, it isn’t a huge stress.
“Right now, I don’t think its a concern. They did a good job making sure everyone is vaccinated,” said Kendall Brown, an 18-year-old first-year student studying political science.
Like many Merced residents, looming larger on Brown’s brain during the first day of school was the heat, as he spent the day roaming around campus searching for his classes in 100-plus degree temperatures. “It’s way too hot,” Brown said.
Despite the blazing heat, Brown said he was excited about his classes, and looking forward to learning about the community during the upcoming school year. “I’m just hoping to expand my worldview,” Brown said.
Several students reported that their initial day of classes was off to a positive start, including 20-year-old Kevin Capetillo, a third-year student studying business, who said he’d already learned a lot during his first day.
Students attending UC Merced classes for the first time this year represent the largest freshman class in campus history at 2,418 students, according to university officials. Overall enrollment is holding steady at 9,149 students total.
“We are holding steady with enrollment from last year, which is particularly exciting given all the challenges we’ve seen across the country,” French said.
