Lockdown on campus

This post was written during the pandemic and contains information specific to it.

These are very strange times for everyone and doing lockdown in student accommodation isn’t easy. It’s important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to cope with this new situation, as long as you are coping. 

There are lots of things you can do to try and maintain some kind of normality at the moment, whether it’s keeping a routine or focusing your attention to your university work. For some people riding out this lockdown in student accommodation will bring extra challenges and obstacles to overcome. 

As someone who is still living in student accommodation and working for the Student Support Centre via the Residential Wardens, I thought I would share my top tips for staying sane whilst in quarantine. 

1. Stay active!

Whether you’re doing online workouts with the University Sports Centre or going out for a daily walk or run, exercising is a great way to increase your endorphins and get your blood pumping. Personally, I love to walk along the Brayford and see the swans and the geese enjoying the sun. It reminds me that life outside the Coronavirus exists and that it will go back to normal eventually. Most of us in student accommodation don’t have any outside space, so getting outside for a walk every now and then is also a great way to get some fresh air. 

2. Split your time between your room and your communal spaces

Being stuck inside all the time is enough to make anyone feel a little claustrophobic, making sure that you split your time between your bedroom and your kitchen/living room can help to reduce this. It can also help with your studies, for example restricting your work to the communal spaces can help you to be productive, and also to relax when you’re in your bedroom or not working. 

3. Try to keep busy with something other than work

Whether you start a new hobby or continue with an old one, learn a new skill like British Sign Language, cooking, calligraphy or dancing. It’s super important to keep some variety in your days, making sure to have some fun as well as doing work. 

4. Don’t lose touch with your family and friends!

Being in lock-down in student accommodation can feel especially isolating, for lots of people they will be one of the only people left in the flat as most flatmates have gone home. This lack of social interaction makes it extra important to stay in touch with your family and friends over the phone or via social media! 

5. Ask for help!

The university staff are still working everyday to make sure you can access the help that you need, whether that means reaching out to your tutors for help with an assignment or getting in touch with the Student Support Centre for help and advice on pretty much anything else. The support you need is just a phone call or an email away, so make sure you make the most of it. 

You could also check out Lucy’s video on how to keep busy whilst social distancing:

Paige has also written a brilliant article on staying pre-occupied during isolation!

Whilst these tips might work for some people, they won’t work for everyone. Your new normal won’t necessarily be the same as your friends’ or family’s new normal, and that’s okay. Just remember that this won’t last forever – stay home and stay safe!

For more information about remote exams and assessments during the COVID-19 pandemic, head over to Learning at Lincoln. https://lncn.ac/remoteexams