"I Don't Even Know My Classmates' Faces"... Sighs of a 2020 Freshman

Impact of Prolonged COVID-19
Delayed Semester Start and Event Cancellations
Poor Quality of Online Lectures
Frustration Due to Lack of People to Ask

Unfairness of Full Tuition Payment

An empty university campus. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Jung-yoon] "I haven't even seen my classmates' faces yet. I only know them through their KakaoTalk profiles."

Yoon Ji-hoon (19), a freshman who entered Sogang University this year as part of the class of 2020, had high expectations for college life, including freshman welcome events and department MTs (Membership Trainings) before starting university. However, half of his first year has already passed in vain. The semester started late, events were canceled, and classes conducted only online feel dry. He doesn't know his classmates or seniors in his department. Yoon said, "I'm worried that if I can't make friends among my classmates as a freshman and end up spending college life alone, it will be tough. If I have to go to the military in this situation, I think I won't know anyone when I return to school."

The prolonged impact of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has increased sighs among the class of 2020 freshmen. Park (21), a student from Jeju National University, expressed regret, saying, "They say you get close to your classmates by exchanging information about school life, classes, and exams when you go to college, but we had none of that."

There is also concern about the decline in class quality due to online lectures. This could be a disadvantage when preparing for employment. Additionally, the prolonged COVID-19 situation may raise the bar for job entry, which is also a burden. Hwang Hye-jun (19), a freshman at Sogang University, said, "It's difficult to ask professors questions about unclear points during online lectures, and there is no one suitable to ask about class content. Although there is an online bulletin board for questions, the quality is indeed lower than face-to-face classes." She added, "Even though I'm still a freshman, I'm worried that the already difficult job market is becoming even narrower due to COVID-19."

The class of 2020 also has much to say about the recently socially controversial tuition fee issue. They argue that paying the same tuition fees without being able to attend normal classes or use school facilities like libraries is unfair. Freshmen, who have not yet properly experienced school life, seem to react more sensitively to this issue compared to continuing students. Kim (19), a freshman at Hongik University, said, "I paid my university tuition through daily labor and part-time jobs for three months before entering school. It's unreasonable for the university to collect full tuition fees when normal classes are not being conducted." Oh (19), a freshman at Ewha Womans University, also said, "I think the school should naturally refund the tuition fees. Although there are reports that Konkuk University is refunding tuition, the school has not taken any measures yet, and dissatisfaction among students is growing."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.