Fall quarter has finally arrived at DU, and students’ return to campus came with a very different orientation week experience this year.

DU’s decision to bring students back to campus brought several new challenges for those planning the school’s fall return, one being the attempt to smoothly acclimate 1,400 first year students to campus life. Hand-in-hand with safer dorm accommodations and ubiquitous sanitizing stations, DU prioritized the introduction and comfort of new students by continuing to offer orientation.

In a normal school year rid of global pandemics, orientation week usually serves as an opportunity for new students to gather in large groups and bond with their peers over exciting activities. In 2020, however, DU had to make significant changes in order to foster both safety and fun within physical distancing guidelines.

Activities began Monday, Sept. 7 and spanned the remainder of the week. Each night of orientation brought new events to entertain first-year students and introduce them to their new community. Online offerings included a virtual escape room, a murder mystery, the DU club involvement fair and sets by comedians Maya May and Ian Lara. 

“The involvement fair in particular gave me a sense of ease,” said first year Xavier Ada. “Classes are nice, but they can be restrictive. Clubs make it much easier to meet people.”

DU also held several in-person and physically-distanced events when weather permitted, including a “Social dis-Dance” and outdoor late night movie showing. 

“Everyone was very friendly at the movie night,” explained first year Marguerite LaPlant. “Even with technical difficulties, the staff was super nice. Plus, I got to bond more with my suitemates and see a new part of campus.”

Amid unprecedented times, DU rose to the challenge to provide first-year students with an orientation experience that reflected a sense of community. This unique first week demonstrated that even while students are physically distant, there is no need to stay socially apart.