Chandigarh | Students excited to return to campus as Panjab University reopens

With Panjab University, Chandigarh, announcing resumption of physical classes, several students will be attending classes for the first time at the university campus

With Panjab University (PU) announcing resumption of physical classes for more students, there are several who will be attending classes for the first time at the university campus.

Panjab University, Chandigarh, reopened for students on March 4. (HT File)

Many students who took admission in PU during the pandemic could not visit the campus and relied on online classes instead. The university has so far allowed the PG students and final year UG students to attend physical classes.

As the even-numbered semester began from March 4, students thronged the campus, which has mostly remained shut for students since the pandemic broke out in March 2020.

This is for the first time that Aditi Monga, 21, a second-year PG student from Bathinda, will be taking physical classes. “I am excited about coming to the campus. At least we will be able to interact with the teachers and other students,” she said, pointing out the bizarre fact that the orientation session for her batch will happen during their final year.

Students lamented missing out on campus life during the pandemic, with some even expressing disappointment over missing out on extra-curricular activities are other non-academic aspects that constitute college life.

Jagjot Singh, who attended classes for the first-time last week, said they were waiting for the university to reopen and attend the classes in the department. A PG second year student, who hails from Fazilka, said, “After taking admission we were eager that we will come to the University. We were waiting for the student elections and other events. This is the first time that I am taking classes in the department.”

“We missed the campus experience and now that only one semester is left for us here. But with the reopening of the campus for us, we are excited to at least get a chance to interact with the teachers and our classmates,” said Chitwan Kaur, who hails from Sirsa, and is a student at PU’s centre for social work.

The attendance of students in the departments has remained thin so far, but more students are expected to return in coming days.

The university has announced that it will reopen for all students in March. More students will be allowed to attend classes at campus on March 10, followed by March 17, 25 and 31.