If You're Missing University Right Now Because Of Campus Shut Downs, Here Are 5 Tips For How to Cope

Most universities are conducting their semesters online, and it’s definitely unchartered territory for students.

Going to campus and accessing resources and attending uni events is a fundamental part of the uni experience every student looks forward to, however, things have changed and you are told to re-wire your expectations and that can be hard to do.

Here are a few things you can do that will help you cope with these changes.

1. Plan a future getaway with friends

Planning for the future gives you something to look forward to, and even if it’s not possible in the near future it will help you keep your spirits up. So explore potential travel destinations and create an itinerary of all the fun things you would want to do together.

2. Try and organise and participate in virtual meet-ups

Socialising with peers always helps when you are feeling isolated, so organise zoom parties with your friends and also find virtual zoom catch-ups that clubs and association at your university may host. It’s definitely unconventional but it’s still a great way to meet people.

3. Maintain a good sleeping pattern

If you don’t have a regular sleep cycle it can affect your mood and degree of motivation which can cause a lot of emotional stress so you want to avoid that. There are many ways to maintain a good sleep cycle, you can use the apps that can help you sleep, remind you when to sleep and even track your sleep cycles to get into the habit of sleeping and waking up on time.

4. Try and create a work-life balance with designated spaces

It’s hard not to bring your work home when you are working from home, but it’s necessary.

Separate your work area from the rest of your house, whether it’s setting up a study station in the living room or creating a nook in your bedroom where you work/study will help separate your work from the rest of your life. Your bedroom should still be your sanctuary, you should still have a physical space that helps you unwind.

5. Identify what helps you relieve stress

For some, it’s exercising, for some its mindful colouring and for some, it’s just having a solo dance party. It’s important to find the thing that helps you de-stress and bring some joy. Once you’ve found your de-stressor, practising it every day will help with the anxiety and precarity you might be experiencing.

It’s always a challenge to adjust to a new lifestyle, but you made it to uni and found the courage to start a new chapter in your life so you can do this too. You got this!