On-campus life returns for regional universities, but some COVID-19 restrictions remain

Zoe Dick will experience on-campus learning for the first time this year.  (ABC Riverina: Romy Stephens)

Like thousands of other university students across New South Wales, 19-year-old Zoe Dick is keen to head into the lecture theatre.

She is one of the many university students across the state returning to campus this week after two years of learning online due to COVID-19.

"Being behind a screen is a little bit boring when you're just by yourself in your bedroom," she said.

Ms Dick began her university studies online last year in Townsville and has now moved to Wagga Wagga's Charles Sturt University campus to continue her oral health degree face-to-face.

Sophie Watson, a second-year journalism student at Charles Sturt in Bathurst, said studying at home did not come close to being on campus. 

"I think it is a huge morale booster. Being able to be on campus and working with the people in your degree is very critical," she said. 

Students celebrate orientation week at the University of Wollongong.  (Supplied)

Daniel Mayo is part of the maths and applied statistics society at the University of Wollongong and said the group had an "impressive" number of sign ups during orientation week. 

"I joined in 2020 just before COVID hit, got two weeks at uni, this is like my O-Week as well," he said. 

"It's nice to see it all.

"I have been here in the library studying over the period, and it was a lot more dead."

Charles Sturt University has a mandatory vaccination requirement in place. (ABC Central West: Hamish Cole)

COVID-19 restrictions still in place

Regional universities are set to have varied restrictions in place as most classes return this week. 

The University of New England, based in Armidale, said face masks would need to be worn indoors, and where social distancing was not possible — despite this rule not being in place across New South Wales. 

Other universities don't have face masks requirements, but staff and students at Charles Sturt need to be fully vaccinated. 

The Charles Sturt's pro-vice-chancellor of learning and teaching in Wagga Wagga, Janelle Wheat, said the university was working to move unvaccinated students to online study. 

"We're doing everything we can … to support them with their individual needs to map out how they can complete their degrees," she said. 

The University of Wollongong, Southern Cross University, University of New England and The University of Newcastle do not have mandatory vaccination requirements in place.