Moving to university for the new academic year is challenging for anyone, whether you're a fresher leaving home for the first time, or a seasoned pro in their final year. The upheaval of moving all of your belongings and the worry about meeting new people and starting new classes can be stressful for all. Obviously this year, these anxieties are amplified by the fact that quite honestly, no one knows what they're doing! Whilst the majority of academic classes are online, it's easy to become bored or feel cramped stuck inside. So finding ways to cope with the uncertainties caused by a global pandemic is essential.
The pandemic came as a huge shock to everyone and has disrupted our whole lives. As students, we are faced with a multitude of challenges regarding studying and academic work, often that simply can't be satisfactorily completed online. The lockdown experienced in the UK has given us all a strange sense of having time on our hands; a dangerous feeling to have and something most of us aren't at all used to. It's so easy to fall into the trap of neglecting our studies because of this. Here are some tips I've found useful throughout this strange situation:
- Having a clear schedule
Without physical commitments to get you out of the house, it can be tempting to abandon all sense of routine. In order to get deadlines completed and effective work done, establishing daily schedules and incorporating reminders to reduce distractions can be really useful. This might include diaries/calendars or even alarms to help you keep on track.
- Keeping to your schedule
This is definitely one I'm guilty of! So, obviously, with creating a schedule or daily routine, you then need the willpower to stick to it! Imagine that each task you set yourself is a physical class you must attend - it's not optional! Setting yourself targets to track your progress is a great way to see what you've achieved. Similarly, keeping lists so that you can tick off the tasks that you have completed can be great for motivation. Do not do what I do, and spend an hour making a really pretty list and then not complete a single thing on it...
- Communication with friends and family
In the time of social distancing, communication is more important than ever. If you're stuck in your bedroom, or even within an isolated household, keeping in touch with friends and family can be a great way to lift your spirits, and even help you stay motivated in your studies. Try and organise regular video calls and activities to stay in touch with those you love! Zoom is a great video call platform that's definitely worth a try (if you're one of the few people that haven't hopped on it yet!). Similarly, the new Netflix Party feature is the perfect way to synchronise your video with friends for movie nights.
- Take regular breaks
Incorporating studying from home into your routine can get monotonous and often feels more tiring than having in person classes. Taking regular breaks can help you relax and split up longer periods of work. If you have the opportunity to leave the house and go for a walk or even just sit outside, this is a great time to get some fresh air and help your brain to separate work from recreational time.
- Setting targets with friends and other students
The power of peer study cannot be emphasised enough. Whether it's through the pressure or competitiveness of working alongside others, or simply the motivation of seeing others being productive, this can be a great way to inspire you. Finding people on your course or even just other students to work with with can help to encourage each other to make the most of your time and keep focused.
- Keep fit
One of my absolute top tips for coping with covid and helping to stay positive is to get yourself out and keep up the physical exercise. Plenty of societies and organisations are running online classes that are free to take part in. Whether it's dance, yoga or even just workout classes, being indoors is no excuse! If you're able to get outside, going for daily walks or runs can be great for your mental health and are perfect for breaking up a day of work.
In this strange world that we're currently living in, anything that we can find to help us cope is something to grab on to. Whilst it's important to stay focused on studies and make the most of the teaching you have, you shouldn't let it consume you. Keep schedules to help you balance between studying and free time, and communicate with you lecturers, friends and family to keep you motivated. We're all finding our way through this academic year the best that we can! Good luck and feel free to get in touch and let me know of your experiences of Covid-19 as a student.
Zizz x
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