Seniors’ Thoughts on First Year of University

With the exacerbating situation of COVID-19, many rising university freshmen are now facing a new dilemma: whether to defer their first year of university to avoid the risk of getting the coronavirus or take online classes. This article features thoughts of students who are attending universities in the United States, Hong Kong and Korea. 

The United States currently has the most cases of COVID-19 patients, with 1.6 million and increasing. Students will not only be exposed to health risks, but can be harassed and abused due to contradicting political viewpoints. With the principals of founding of the United States, citizens value human rights above everything and have started protests against quarantine and wearing masks. Moreover, the President has orally demonstrated his disfavor towards international students, and especially the Asian population throughout this pandemic—his xenophobic acts has triggered many. While most Americans stand against him, some in America still hold very strong biases against Asians and especially those from China.

As a student who will be attending university in the States, I am hesitating whether to commit to my decision. If the situation with the virus does not progress in the U.S., my first choice would be to defer if available.

On the other hand, though online classes will be available, I believe that a complete university experience should consist of both a successful academic and social life. In addition, paying $50,000 for a semester only to sit in front of my computer to listen to lectures is ridiculous and unworthy.

Lastly, using the gap year from deferring can be a great opportunity for students to seek internships in different industries, especially for students who are undeclared to a major.

Sam J., another student who is planning on attending university in the States comments how he is “more excited than anything to be going to university.” When asked about how he feels about possibly being at the epicenter of this pandemic, New York, for university, he states that he although he believes the situation is getting much better as days pass, but will still “definitely consider deferring [his] admission if online classes.” He expresses how “[his] freshmen year is not something [he is] willing to squander over with online classes both socially and academically.”

Other than the United States, another major destination for students of the Class of 2020 is Hong Kong. The current situation in Hong Kong is progressing, according to Candy L., a senior who will attend university in Hong Kong. Hong Kong currently has approximately 1000 cases with an average daily increase of 8 cases. Candy L. feels positive about being able to attend university. Although she is not completely relaxed about the political situation with violent protests, she believes that the situation is much better than last year. She hopes for universities to begin regularly for the next school year.

Several Korean students will head back to South Korea for university. The situation with COVID-19 in Korea is very well controlled, with around 10,000 cases. Kunwoo J. is one student who is planning to head back to Korea whenever borders re-open again. He holds negative views about the situation with Coronavirus in Korea. He states, “it seemed like it was ameliorating at first, but it’s getting worse again.” Thus, he is unsure of whether universities will open regularly. He feels like “deferring for a year would just be a waste of time.” However, he believes that his experiences in university “would definitely not be complete as [he] would not be able to socialize” and his learning outcomes “would not be fruitful if online learning continues.” 

Different students going to different regions for university hold varying viewpoints on how the pandemic may affect their first year. Let us all wish that the odds be ever in their favor.