Those who go to the Borough of Manhattan Community College were rerouted -- directed to enter school through Washington Market Park instead of Chambers Street, which is still closed off for the investigation.
Betshy Gialt is a student there and she said she hoped school would have been closed. But since it wasn't she came in and will push on.
Students from Stuyvesant High School -- located Across the highway -- also felt trepidation Wednesday. Many saw the aftermath of the terror attack.
"I don't feel a danger walking around the crime scene, but after there will probably be a lingering sense of dread," student Raymond Lee said.
Some students came dressed in black to remember the victims. Grief counselors were also on hand at the school.
The neighborhood is a magnet for families and there are businesses in the area, like Citibank. The adjacent street was lined with police vehicles.
It was an unusual sight that reminded people of the 9/11 attack in the same part of Manhattan 16 years ago.