The Savannah College of Art and Design welcomed back more than 15,000 students on Monday.
Records show that 4,000 students are still virtual and 11,000 returned to the Savannah campus.
Faculty and students said they're excited as they reunite in-person for the first time since the pandemic began.
"It was really fun being in a classroom and taking notes and sitting and talking to other people like other freshman and getting to know them," said Gabi Rader.
Another Freshman, Cantrell Savage, said his senior year of high school was entirely virtual, so he's ready to be back in a classroom.
"It’s been so fun. I’ve seen so many people around here. It’s weird at first, but I’ve seen a lot of nice people. A lot of people are kind," he said.
For many students, Monday was their first time in a classroom in nearly two years, and dean of students David Blake said SCAD has put several protocols into place to make sure that option remains.
"We are requiring all students faculty and staff to either give us one documentation of vaccination, or a negative test when they arrive plus go through weekly testing while they’re here," Blake said.
He said they’re also enforcing social distancing and masks indoors, and they have a contract tracing team.
"I forgot to do my daily check in, and SCAD has the little things when you walk in, and you just stand in front of them, they take your temperature, and that is the most convenient thing I've ever seen a school have," Rader said.
Blake saidthe college is working with local medical providers, local authorities and the Chatham County Board of Health to stay proactive with emergency plans, in case the county sees another resurgence in positive COVID-19 cases.
"Students have the ability to take classes virtually, so if they’re not feeling well one day, or they do have to quarantine for any reason they can classes through what we call SCADNow and that’s a virtual option for the course and they won’t miss any classes," he said.
SCAD officials said having students back on campus is giving the city an economic boost. They said annually, the university brings in $577 million.