YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - YSU welcomes students back to campus, students who say they are happy to return to a semblance of normal working toward their futures.

"I can't overstate how happy I am to be back on campus. I'm meeting new people. I'm somebody that likes to be involved on campus and I have a lot of friends like that as well," said Jeremy DeMarco. The junior at YSU's plans to graduate with a major in computer science and minor in political science.

"I'm excited. I have been waiting for this semester awhile. Because I'm part of student groups on campus, so we have some events planned, so they're going to be very successful evening. I am excited to be back to college in general," said Tumi Adeeko. She is from Nigeria and is getting her major in mechanical engineering.

Before students move in campus residence halls they need to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test just like they did for the fall semester.

That test had to be negative within 72 hours of moving in on Sunday for the semester that begins Monday January 19, 2022.

The University had plenty of test kits, and nurses were at the Kilcawley Center to administer a COVID-19 test. The test had to be administered within 

Vincent Morro from Pittsburgh is studying mechanical engineering. Morro said, "I think it's definitely a good idea. You can never be too safe."

Masks covering your nose and mouth are mandated indoors on campus and in common areas. You can find YSU's full covid policy by looking up COVID-19 information at ysu.edu

The university is asking students to isolate at home if they test positive for COVID-19 if they live nearby.

YSU does have dedicated isolated housing for students who need that.

YSU is asking students who test positive to fill out a form so they an make sure their needs are met whether they live on or off campus.

"On our COVID site for the university on the main website there is a form they can fill out directly from there, and we have a case manager and some COVID support staff that reach out to all students," said YSU Associate VP for Student Experience, Joy Polkabla Byers.