The article reflects on the experience of students like Mai, who began their studies full of enthusiasm, only to find their vibrant educational environment replaced by isolating online classes during the pandemic. As universities shifted from face-to-face learning to Zoom meetings and pre-recorded lectures, students struggled with engagement and camaraderie. Mai's subsequent move to study medicine revealed a still-deserted campus despite the end of lockdowns, leading her to confront the reality that many peers prioritize work over campus life, thus altering the anticipated university experience.
"When Mai started studying psychology in mid-2019, she looked forward to making the trip to the university for her tutorials...But her excitement turned to dread when her face-to-face tutorials were swapped for Zoom meetings in 2020."
"As soon as she graduated, Mai moved to Hobart to study medicine...it was deserted...I had this very naive vision of, Oh, wow, I'm going to meet so many students from many different places.'"
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