TALLAHASSEE, Fl.a (WTXL) — School is almost back in session for college students in Florida and Georgia.
Monday, students began moving back into their dorms at Valdosta State University while other schools prepare to return this week in the middle of a pandemic.
Kelly Huntley never thought her freshman year would require face masks everywhere on campus.
"It's definitely different than I would have imagined," said Huntley.
She's one of the dozens of students moving into dorms at VSU.
VSU's social distancing measures only allow two people to help one student move-in.
"It just makes the whole situation much harder and limiting the family that can come was also difficult for me," Huntley said.
VSU normally sees up to 350 students in one day for freshman move-in. They've drastically reduced that number to keep people safe.
Only 10 students are allowed to check-in per hour with sessions on health and wellness during the pandemic.
If someone gets or feels sick staff and students are asked to report it immediately with an online form.
In Florida, Florida A&M University is preparing for its students to start arriving on Friday.
"We've had our room sanitized," said Jennifer Wilder. "We've finished up that process now because our students will be arriving very shortly."
COVID-19 is forcing the university to cut its on-campus capacity by 26 percent.
"Every student will have their own room, so that's a change for them," Wilder said.
Plans are in place for students who may contract the virus.
"We have designated certain spaces as isolation spaces for our students so they will be moved to those isolation spaces," said Wilder.
There are 48 isolation units in total.
Florida State University welcomes students Wednesday, with COVID-19 testing an hour before the move-in by the FSU lab. Masks inside are mandatory.
All schools are trying their best to keep students safe.
"We're trying to keep everybody following CDC guidelines," Wilder said.
All universities have extended their move-in days and ask that students select a time to check-in.
For more information about student safety and CDC guidelines for schools and universities click here.
For a list of recommended college supplies click here.
