The 5 things to know as a college student during a pandemic
As a college student during the pandemic, it has been quite the transition to being forced to wake up for a 9 a.m. class and instead being able to sleep in, and creating my own schedule to get my course work complete. With that being said, here are 5 tips to be successful when adjusting to an online work environment as a college student.
- Create a schedule
When adapting to online courses among the mist of COVID-19, it is very important to get into a routine. At first it might be challenging to have more free-time and less motivation to get out of bed to complete an assignment, though it tends to pay off if you set an alarm each day at the same time to start your day. Typically, I would write out all of my assignments in a planner the week before assignments are due, so I was able to see what I needed to complete day by day. Often, students would procrastinate which would cause assignments to be missed or turned in late. Fortunately, professors have become understanding that we are all in this transition together and realize there will be times that an assignment is forgotten about or not submitted by the deadline. However, most professors do allow an assignment to be turned in a day late with no point reduction if you communicate with them. In a PsychologyToday article, Marcia Morris, M.D. college wellness, explains it is also important to create a leisure time for activities, such as Zoom or FaceTime calls with friends and family, getting outside, or picking up a new hobby to reduce stress.
3. Appreciate your environment
According to Caitlin Nevins, PhD, of the McLean’s College Mental Health Program (CMHP), it is important to learn other skills and traits during this difficult time. It should not be thought of as a vacation from school, but a time that we can adapt to new responsibilities and be thankful we are still capable of getting an education. Although it can be distracting at times, such as being at home listening to lectures, completing assignments, projects, and taking exams, it is very important to be appreciative that us students are able to still get an education no matter where we are. Since we are now in 2020, most students have access to WiFi and Internet, which is where most online school work can be found. No matter if we are in a classroom or at our desk in the comfort of our own home, it is still important to keep our priorities straight and have self-compassion throughout the many adjustments.
5. Use your resources
While many college students are familiar with their university’s resources, it is important to take those into consideration when struggling with mental health. As it is very challenging to use your time management wisely in completing assignments, it is just as important to reach out to university officials or other peers to seek help when needed. According to an April survey of more than 2,000 students conducted by the nonprofit Active Minds, one in five students say their mental health has worsened since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although many college students experience anxiety, stress, and depression, during the pandemic it is believed that mental health has taken a toll on many students since they are by themselves and unable to have a conversation in person with their professors, classmates, friends, and other peers. In conclusion, it is just as important to take your mental health seriously as it is to take your course work seriously. Reach out to a counselor, a tutor, or another medical professional if you are experiencing these issues; as they can help lead you in the right direction.
7. Communication is key
Something that might seem obvious, but is very important during this time, is to maintain communication between your professors, colleagues, friends, family, and other peers that are all here for you during this time of confusion. The University of New Hampshire provided some tips for students adapting to online courses and mentioned that it is important for us to reach out when needed. Since we are all new to this, there is no such thing as a stupid question. If you are having trouble with a class, do not be afraid to ask your professor to have a Zoom or Skype call to go over the information you might be confused on. It will establish a trusting relationship between you and your professor, since it will show that you are making an attempt of trying to understand the information you might be struggling with. Additionally, it is important to reach out to old friends or new friends, to show that you have not forgotten about them, and that you are in the same boat. Though we are unable to meet up with others in person, it is still nice to be able to have a conversation via e-mail, phone, or a simple text message. You could be the reason others are adapting quicker than others!
9. Be hopeful
One of the most important attitudes to have during this time is to have hope. Our country has been through a pandemic before and has experienced similar feelings as we are all now experiencing. Though it is very unrealistic, it is important to know that we will overcome this together. We will be able to return to our normal lives once again, while also taking the life skills we have learned during this pandemic with us to the future. In an article for resources and tips for students during the pandemic, it mentions to use grounding exercises if one is dwelling on the past and very anxious for the future. The grounding exercise mentioned is to think of 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste to keep you focused on the present. Furthermore, it is important to remain hopeful as we are all in this adjustment together. Not one of us is alone, or experiencing something another student has not or will not experience when completing school work. We must aspire to be better, do better, and know better. We are in this uncomfortable situation together.
