UW, Seattle University students return to in-person classes

There is a mix of emotions as local university students return to in-person learning Monday, as school officials say they are banking on the omicron variant subsiding.

Washington colleges, universities start winter term remotely

The University of Washington and Seattle University had delayed the start of in-person learning for the winter quarter when coronavirus cases were spiking. But now that cases appear to be waning, they are calling most students back to campus for class on Monday, Jan. 31.

A lot of those students are still concerned about COVID-19. But they say they are looking forward to a more normal college experience, enabled by being in class and on campus.

The University of Washington Seattle campus was bustling on the eve of a return to mostly in-person classes.

Many fondly remember the in-person classes at the start of the school year.

“Yeah, I had some but, you know, it all turned into online this quarter,” John Song said. “It’s kind of depressing.”

Still, the UW freshman is a bit ambivalent about Monday.

“I mean, I’m kind of looking forward to it,” Song said. “But my first class is literally at 8:30 in the morning.”

It’s also a return to the usual college student complaints.

When the UW delayed its return to in-person classes after the holidays, the delay was originally set to last just one week. But after the much more contagious omicron variant hit, the school extended virtual instruction for nearly three more weeks.

Most students say they are happy to see that time pass.

“I’m pretty excited because it’s kind of hard to focus online,” said KC Villaroman, a UW freshman. “Pretty excited to meet new people in my classes.”

Nearly five miles away at Seattle University, students were also preparing to go back into the classroom, with mixed emotions.

“It’s kind of going to be a weird transition going from online to in-person,” said Connor Barringer, a Seattle University junior. “I personally don’t have a problem with it. I also feel like I learn better in person.”

“I wish we would have started out in person already,” said George Thiss, a junior at Seattle University. “I know there were issues with quarantine, but maybe pushing the start time just a week later.”

But there is plenty of evidence that COVID-19 is still an issue.

“It’s a good thing,” said Nil Aldinordu, a UW freshman, about returning in person. “But there are also some like cons because right now there’s a lot of COVID, even like within my hall.”

In fact, she says “it’s scary” that many people in her dorm are sick.

KIRO 7 TV tried getting a response on camera from officials at both schools, but no one was available.

Written by KIRO 7 reporter Deborah Horne