DAYTON, Ohio — Returning back to campus has been a long time coming for University of Dayton junior Jordan Strife.

“I’m really excited to be back,” said Strife. “I guess it was almost like we left abruptly, and it was like really quick and you didn’t really get to say goodbye to all of your friends.”

Strife was one of almost 700 students to move in Saturday and go through the new check-in and health site. Due to the pandemic, the university is requiring students to social distance and wear masks, but strife is doing, even more, to keep himself safe.

“I definitely plan to have a bunch of cleaning products like hand sanitizer with me at all times, especially in my room. I’ll have a hand sanitizer right next to the door as soon as I walk in so I can instantly hand sanitize and everything,” he said.

Hundreds of other students are expected to move back onto campus during the next two weekends. University officials said they are trying to ensure the new check-in process goes as smoothly as possible.

“Our goal is to make this process as easy and as efficient for students, while also preserving and promoting the health and safety of the staff who play a key role in executing the process,” said Stevee Herndon, UD assistant vice president of student development and executive director of housing and residence life.

While UD could have moved to a virtual education like other Ohio universities and colleges, Herndon says it was essential for them to provide students with the on-campus experience.

“There’s nothing typical about this experience for our incoming students,” he said. “This is their introduction to the university, but it is one that we are still committed to providing them.”

Despite the unpredictability of this school year, Strife said he’s confident in how the university is handling the pandemic and optimistic about his academic career.

“It’s obviously going to be different, so I’m going to have to change and adapt to that, but I think Dayton’s taking a really good approach at COVID,” said Strife.