Eight ways to stay social online
Staying at home means that we can embrace technology to stay social.
Discover some of the ways for using the internet to volunteer, make new friends and learn something new.
Welcome to #SketchClub
Why not to try something new and join a digital #SketchClub? Leeds University Library Galleries post new sketch club focus theme every Friday at 12:30. It’s a perfect way to spend your lunch. There is no need to have any equipment, as you are still going to be sketching analogue. Grab a pen or pencil, a sheet of paper and let your creativity flow. Don’t worry about quality, sketching is a skill which develops as you practice. Once you are done, share your sketch with the world and tag @LULGalleries.
Throw a Netflix Party
Did you know you can watch Netflix with your friends without leaving your room? You can download a Chrome extension that lets you host movie nights. Get comfortable, invite your friends and remember to stay hydrated.
A good thing about this extension is that you can discuss your favourite shows or movies in real-time, talk about anything and take your friendship to the next level while sharing off-topic gifs and emojis.
Party with Leeds Student Radio
Leeds Student Radio is helping everyone to get through these times with nice music tunes and good company. They even organised a virtual Fruity that was attended (or to be more accurate streamed) by six thousand people! Listen to student radio online and be sure to follow them on social media for future updates on upcoming events. Also, you can engage with other student societies as the Student Union has temporarily become 100% virtual.
Build a sculpture in five minutes
Another arty way of filling your time — become a sculptor in five minutes. You will not be a certified sculptor, but your friends might be keen to praise a newly discovered talent of yours. Yorkshire Sculpture International team is encouraging everyone to make a sculpture a day. The rules are simple — make sculptures from items you find in your house by spending no longer than five minutes. Share your masterpieces with Yorkshire Sculpture International on Twitter or Instagram.
Join Facebook groups for Leeds students
While staying at home, you can still make new friends who study at Leeds. Join a Facebook group for current Leeds students where you can ask questions, find useful tips or meet a new friend for life. The Student Union execs created a new Facebook group led by students that will keep you social. If you have anything to share with the world, post it in one of the groups.
If you join both groups, you will be able to stay on top of the new updates, find useful links and resources or discover interesting online events.
Host a digital house party
You can still host a party, invite friends and even play games. Use the app Houseparty, which is similar to other video call services, but the app notifies users when their friends are using the app and shows who is who they’re currently having a party with. Houseparty allows plenty of people in the group and hosts a number of different games, including quizzes and a drawing game.
Become a digital volunteer
You can join 100% Digital Leeds inclusion programme supported by Leeds City Council. The programme allows you to become a digital champion and join an initiative that supports hundreds of people over 60 engaging in fun digital activities using modern technology. The members find it helps to turn off their TV and stay relaxed using these apps for enjoyment and they say they ‘keep their brain going’!
Learn new skills with Leeds Digital Festival
One of the largest tech events in the UK is going fully digital. A team behind the event is making a great effort to deliver this year’s Leeds Digital Festival in a virtual environment. Be prepared to learn some new digital skills, meet some of the most amazing people, companies and innovations that Leeds has to offer.
Remember that talking with family and friends about how you’re feeling is important, and can help you get a balance and perspective. If you feel you need more help, look at Big White Wall. The service provides 24/7 online peer and professional support, with trained counsellors. It’s a safe space online to get things off your chest, explore your feelings and learn how to improve and self-manage your mental health and wellbeing.
