OFF-CAMPUS COLLEGE LIFE
How has COVID affected those off-campus?
As a commuter student there are lots of worries about being infected or infecting others on campus. It is important to follow the protocols that the university has put forth for the safety and well being of all Faculty, Staff, and Students on campus. COVID-19 testing is a safe way that our university has followed protocols to keep everyone safe.
Several college students have decided to stay at home or live in off-campus housing opposed to dorms during this time, as you can imagine this results in a difference in lifestyles.
Those students who live off-campus can have trouble feeling like a part of the student body, continuing to maintain motivation to complete work, and meeting new people. However, our universities work very hard to make everything, including classes, clubs, and events, available in an online format.
COVID has shown us that we can have a college experience that no one has before and you get what you put into an online freshmen year. While COVID has caused us to adapt, it has made us recognize the importance of quality education and being a part of our student body.
What does your day-to-day life look like?
The day-to-day life for students living off-campus is a lot like working from home.
You can wake up whenever you want/whenever you have your first class, get some breakfast, and start on any assignments you may have to complete all while staying in your pajamas. Be sure to always be aware of what day it is because you may have a completely different schedule based on different days of the week! It is important to create a routine!
Living at home does not necessarily mean you are fully online, some students may have one or two classes that meet hybrid or in person. If you are one of those students, you can simply drive to your university and attend those classes during their set time frame(s) then return back to wherever you reside.
In addition to being a full-time student, some also work part-time jobs. Make sure you communicate with your boss to let them know whenever you are available based on your set class and study times. Communication and work ethic are very important to make an efficient schedule during both COVID and normal times!
How do you stay motivated?
Everyone pulls their motivation from something different.
Personally, I know a lot of people draw their motivation from thinking about where they want to end up in life. For example, I need to do well in this course to build a foundation for the next courses that will help me get into medical school or something along the lines of that.
While others get motivation from those around them, such as wanting to make your family or teachers proud. This can be an awesome motivator because you can have your support system keep you focused and in check while in school.
Your motivation to complete assignments can be something as simple as being able to have few weekends to hang out with your friends or explore the city.
The best motivation is whatever you think it should be!
Finding you own personal motivation may take some time but is extremely beneficial not just for your college days, but for success in all areas!
What are the benefits of staying off-campus?
Benefits of living off-campus include...
Staying connected with your family (if you live at home)
Having a separation between your social life and school life
Having more power over where you live and who you live with
Having your own bathroom or room, not having to share utilities or common spaces
Begin building you rental history for the future
Having more space overall
And lastly, the reason most people live off-campus or at home...SAVING MONEY!
Returning to on-campus life...
Most students have our fingers crossed to return to campus full time in the upcoming 2021 fall semester both for ourselves and for our incoming freshmen class.
Many universities plan on having a combination of online, hybrid, and in-person courses for semesters to come. They also hope to have all students living on-campus that wish to be doing so.
With that being said, some students will most likely decide to stay off-campus or living at home with their families to save money. It is all up to person preference and sometimes what you would like to get out of your personal college experience.
Deciding to stay off-campus does not mean you have to feel disconnected from your student body! It is always a wonderful idea to get on campus, explore for yourself, and join any and all organizations that spark your interest!