Southern Cross University Lismore students have returned to campus this week for the first time since the February and March floods.
The campus has seen significant changes over the last two months.
It has been an evacuation centre and recovery hub for hundreds of people and dozens of community services.
Two schools now reside on campus and a recovery hub is operating out of the Deck&Lounge premises with insurance and community services available for people who have been affected by floods.
Student Association Lexsa provided a free subway lunch for students as well as music and activities to celebrate the return to campus.
Lunch vouchers will be available Tuesday and Wednesday for students with another free lunchtime music gig on Wednesday.
Adding to the existing food outlets in the Plaza will be new food trucks and a coffee van in front of the Gym & Pool.
First-year Bachelor of Nursing students Kiana and Gina said it was fantastic to have their first face-to-face classes on Monday after most Lismore students studied Term 1 online.
‘It’s so exciting to be back on campus and to interact with everything that is happening,’ Kiana said.
‘We’re getting to see what our placements will look like and also forming a study group from students within our class.
Gina said she was particularly keen to resume practical classes.
‘We’ve been learning about falls assessments and correct lifting techniques for working with patients,’ she said.
‘You gain those essential skills through hands-on experiences in the classroom.’
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