Before seniors start college in August, they will be attending orientation, however due to COVID-19, for some it will be online.

“I am a little nervous about having orientation online because I feel like I will not be prepared when I actually get on campus,” senior Annie Hawkins said. The only good thing is I don’t have to drive 3 hours up north.”

With orientation being online for rising freshmen at the University of Arkansas, senior Celia Abdallah believes time will only tell itself regarding the first semester.

“I’m honestly sad that orientation is online because I was really looking forward to having it on campus and meeting new people, as well as spending that time with my roommates,” Abdallah said. “However I don’t want the first semester of college to be online even though that is a major possibility since there is no perfect time line to track the end of corona.”

Hawkins plans to start college sooner.

“I had already planned on going up to OU in the summer to start classes in July, but that got moved online,” Hawkins said. “I don’t mind because it will keep me busy while we’re in quarantine.” 

COVID-19 impacted Hawkin’s senior year, and she is afraid it may ruin her freshman year at OU

“I have heard rumors that some schools are strongly considering making the first semester of school online,” Hawkins said. “This does make me nervous because I will be missing out on my college experience and getting settled into Norman. I also don’t want to miss recruitment and football games because of the coronavirus.” 

Abdallah is not one of the many infected, but she does find that COVID-19 has taken a great toll on her life.

“Corona has affected my life in so many ways,” Abdallah said. “I haven’t left my house in over a month because I am somewhat at risk as a result of my heart problem. I miss seeing my friends and the people that I’m graduating with, it’s sad because it’s taken away all the senior events I was looking forward to such as prom, six flags, and a graduation ceremony.”