Embedded Files
Globally, coronavirus is still very much with us, with many countries currently experiencing loss and trauma on a huge scale. Many students in the UK and beyond continue to experience and deal with loss, change and difficulty. Yet our pandemic experiences in the UK are slowly changing. It seems like a good moment to take stock as we move beyond lockdown.
What we've noticed: what's been tough
What we've noticed: what's been tough
Students are all different, and have all had changing experiences over the past 18 months, but we noticed some common themes and struggles:
Loss - university life has not been as anyone hoped or expected for the past year and a half. Students have experienced different kinds of losses. Students have told us about not being able to make connections, not being able to try new things, not being able to start or finish their time at university in the ways they'd planned for.
Uncertainty and confusion - in all areas and for a long time, things have been uncertain and changing. Where should I / can I live? What will studying be like? How long is this going on for? Am I studying in the right ways? Am I being a student in the right ways?
Lack of motivation - without the stimuli of routines, connections, and clear spaces to learn in, students have really struggled to feel motivated. (Listen here to find out more about motivation).
What do I do with my time? - students have struggled with a lack of demarcation of time and space during covid restrictions. When to start studying? And when to stop? What does it mean to have free time anymore? Looking after ourselves has often gone out of the window.
What's normal? - with limited contact with others, students have struggled to identify what's normal or useful in any given situation. Is anyone else struggling with this lecture? Is this essay good enough? Is it okay to email to ask this question? Relating to others through screens can be tricky - it can feel both more distant and more intimate.
What we've noticed: ways of getting by
What we've noticed: ways of getting by
Whilst many students have talked about the struggles outlined above, many of the same students have inspired us with their own ways of getting by:
What are my rules? - we often make rules for ourselves eg 'I can't have a break until I've done two hours work,' 'I can't start this essay until I feel more motivated.' The key thing many students have shared is to know whether their rules are helpful or not, and - if not - to know that it's okay to change them.
Trying new things - students have been brave enough to try new things during a time of turbulence and found it helpful - dipping in and out of a group; joining a class with their camera off; trying a new study skills approach (many love pomodoro technique). And found them helpful.
Making time for self-care - students have been brave and honest enough to notice when they're struggling, and to make time for themselves. That's different for everyone - taking exercise, connecting with others, listening to music. Whatever works.
Moving on from crisis response - many students found that their initial ways of coping with the pandemic worked okay for a while, but didn't sustain them longer term. Noticing when fight, flight, freeze doesn't work anymore is very powerful.
Noticing what's different - noticing shifts in moods, responses and options (no matter how small) is really powerful, whatever the situation. Students have noticed feeling that there may be alternatives or choices. All students will in some way developed their resilience, flexibility, and coping strategies over this tricky year.
Coming out the other side
Coming out the other side
What's it like for you?: Have a look at our animation below.
Dealing with loss: Ataloss is a great source of support and signposting to local bereavement services. Let'stalkaboutloss is aimed at young people.
Anxieties around leaving lockdown are very common; have a look through this page of thoughts and tips: mental health as we come out of lockdown. The key tips are to find your own pace, focus on the present and what works well for you.
Go to your mind plan for a personalised plan to look after your mental health.
Coming out the other side: This short animation explores what coming out the other side could look like for you.
Page updated
Report abuse