You get to campus and before your class begins, you place your meal order through Boost, an app that takes your order and places it out for the time you have indicated, only to get a notification that your meal is ready before the time requested.
Sarah Caramanica sophomore said, “I wish the Boost mobile app was better planned out. Sometimes I order food for a certain time after class so it’s ready when I’m done with class but, then I get a notification that it’s ready an hour early, by that time it’s cold when I go to pick it up.”
Other students feel the new changes to the dining halls have increased their experience.
“I personally really like it. I’ve always wanted 63s to be take-out since I was a freshman,” said senior Fernando Pirez.
Sacred Heart University has implemented various procedures to keep their students safe. These include changes to the dining and social experiences.
“I do feel like more students are out and about. I see people sitting in the chairs and a lot more people running outside and walking outside instead of just staying inside.
I do think students are happy to be back, all of my friends including myself missed Sacred Heart a lot and were all happy we can be together again despite the circumstances,” said Caramamica.
Even though the school has the “First 50-days” event that helps students socialize, some feel more events should be created.
“I wish they would add more events that appealed to the majority of people and were informational based,” said sophomore Olivia LaRosa.
Sacred Heart has also added several safety procedures to keep students healthy. These include hand sanitation stations and regular cleaning of classrooms and bathrooms. However, some feel like this is not enough.
“I do not feel safe and protected because I don’t know what people are doing. Also I don’t know if classrooms are being sanitized like they should,” said junior Noah Centeno.
On the other hand, sophomore Abby Andre said, “I feel very safe and protected on campus. I feel like they have increased the amount of security so there is never a moment I feel unsafe.”
Despite the changes brought by the pandemic, most students are excited to be back.
“I’m very happy to be back. My freshman year was cut short and being back here reminded me how much I missed being at SHU and being in the college atmosphere,” said Andre.
Other students are glad to be a part of their school community once again.
“I am so happy to be back because of my friends and my involvement. I am in the dance ensemble, S.W.E.E.T, and student government class of 2023 vice president,” said LaRosa.
During these unexpected times, feeling a part of your community is very important to some students.
“I definitely feel a part of SHU. Being in S.W.E.E.T helps a lot and it makes me feel more involved in trying to make the best of this year while still supporting other students, especially the freshman that have this whole new experience in front of them. It’s hard enough starting college, but with a pandemic occurring as well, it’s even harder to get adjusted to this new life,” said Caramanica.
