After a three-week shutdown due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene, students at Appalachian State University in western North Carolina are set to return to class on Oct. 16, as the campus recovers from widespread flooding and storm damage.

"It's been chaotic," senior Joel Franquiz told WXII 12 on Wednesday. "I wasn't expecting any of this at all this year. We lost water the first day, and then the water came back on, obviously the next day, but we're under a boil advisory for a couple of days. And then, we also lost internet for a couple of days as well."

The university postponed classes for thousands of students, as Boone and other parts of western North Carolina were severely damaged by Hurricane Helene's winds and rains late last month.

Interim Chancellor Heather Norris' office announced on Tuesday that classes would start back up on Oct. 16, according to the school website.

"Those who are facing hardship because of their personal circumstances should, per our process, reach out to their faculty or department chairs to request adjustments or advice," the school's statement read.

Other universities across Florida also canceled classes ahead of Hurricane Helene, but not for more than a week.

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