A complete guide to returning to university
As the number of covid-19 cases decreases, the likelihood of in-person learning increases, as do students’ tension and excitement. Some students are relieved and optimistic about returning to campus life after a long absence. The thrill of a morning coffee with friends, the dash to class, and academic trips all have their own level of attraction.
However, not everyone seemed to be excited to return to college right now, all of a sudden. Some students are concerned about campus safety and precaution. One thing is certain: the university life will not be the same; students have to wait for things to return to “normal” on campus. But no one is sure how long the normalization process will take.
In-person vs Virtual classes:
After studying for almost a year through online schooling, in-person sessions will undoubtedly be difficult for everyone to adjust to. According to a 2020 poll of 2,500 students, 75% reported feeling more nervous, 57% lost their summer employment, and 90% wanted to return to college.
According to students, instructors are not used to teaching online, which means there is a significant risk of a drop in educational quality. Most lectures are pre-recorded, though, students can ask questions within a set amount of time, via email, or whatever medium teachers have chosen. They do, however, miss the peer contact and the class-wide debate on the topics.
Jay Hamidova, attending the University of British Columbia, says she is most disappointed with online learning because she enjoys meeting new people. One thing that makes her hopeful is that people are getting more aware of themselves and the adversities of others while being at home.
In contrast, introvert students feel more connected with virtual learning. If it was an in-person lecture, they would be shyer and more anxious. Introvert students who would rarely approach the lecturer and speak in front of the class are now comfortable with one-on-one virtual sessions that allow them to clear their doubts.
Whether you feel happy or awful about returning to college after the covid-19 pandemic, one thing is certain: you have no control over anything. The choice to use virtual learning was not yours, and the decision of on-campus learning is now in the hands of officials. What you can control is how you get back to campus. In this post, we will discuss some concerns, suggestions, and preparations for a safe return.
Room sharing:
While attending college or university, the majority of students will share a room/apartment/house. It is easy to care for alone, but adaptations for a post-covid-19 pandemic will be different if you live with someone. Here are some things to think about if you’re sharing a room.
- Try not to be in common areas like the bathroom or kitchen at the same time.
- Set the bed at the proper distance. The same is true for the study tables.
- Make a schedule to clean and sanitize the room and the items that are most in use. Like doorknobs, electric switches, kitchen and washroom taps, remote controls, refrigerator and microwave.
- Establish agreed ground rules for going out or inviting someone to the house.
- Make a quarantine plan, including what items the quarantined individual would use.
- Install a good ventilation system in your home. As an example, open windows or use other ventilation devices in other rooms regularly.
Stress about vaccine:
Let us now discuss how the vaccine choice is generating tension among students. There are many conflicting views about the Covid-19 vaccine; we have compiled some information to help you clear your mind and make an informed decision that is beneficial for you, your children, and your family’s health.
A lot of people refuse to get vaccinated due to their religious believes and they are certain that no one could take the freedom of decision making from them.
The latest report shows that 1,047 people under age 30 have reported cases of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) and pericarditis (inflammation of the outer lining of the heart) after getting the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna mRNA vaccines.
Here is a detailed explanation about Chances of recovery after getting the Covid-19 virus and the effects of Vaccines on different people, it also provides links to a number of studies that have been done in regards to covid 19 and vaccination.
According to a research, parents are concerned about vaccinating their children and adolescents because of the long-term effects.
Here is a detailed explanation of the chances of recovery after contracting the Covid-19 virus and the effects of vaccines on different people; it also includes links to a number of studies on covid 19 and vaccination.
Another report shows the effects of Vaccination on young adults who are of childbearing age.
Lastly, you may look at people’s questions and concerns about the Covid-19 virus and the Covid-19 vaccination.
Boost your immune system:
Whether you are vaccinated or not, you must have a strong immune system to fight infections. When the universities open, you must prepare a study plan and a daily schedule for a healthy start. Include vitamins, zinc in your diet and other self-care techniques.
Vitamins:
Increase your intake of vitamin D to boost the pathogen-fighting effects of monocytes and macrophages — white blood cells. Also, to reduce inflammation to boost your immune system. According to a new study, Vitamin D supplementation is generally safe and may assist to fight against viruses.
Vitamin C is helpful to get healthy skin, recover from cold and help the growth of lymphocytes. More research is needed to decide whether Vitamin C consumption is beneficial in the treatment of critically ill Covid-19 patients.
Zinc can help you improve your immune system and decrease inflammation. To avoid the consequences of zinc overconsumption, always take the recommended dose.
Relax you mind and body:
To stay sane in these unstable times, you must relax your mind and body. When students are abruptly thrown into in-person learning, their already stressed and worried brains will struggle to focus on their studies. According to one research, antidepressant prescriptions climbed by up to 6% within three months in 2020. With the continual rise in stress, worry, and depression, we must seek natural ways to cope.
- Deep breathing:
- Soak your body in warm water for about half an hour
- Practice yoga regularly
- Practice meditation, focus on your breathing, focus on one constant sound like ticking of the clock
- Write a journal and write down all your worries, it helps you to release the stress
- Eat healthy not only to boost your immune system but also to get stress relief
- Take enough sleep
Environmentally responsible:
When a number of students will begin attending universities and colleges, another issue that they may encounter is being environmentally conscious. Venice’s clean water demonstrates how human presence affects nature. We are starting our social lives all over again, so why don’t we educate and model environmentally beneficial behaviour in students? There should be frequent lectures and information sessions at colleges to show students that something as simple as putting the mask in the proper trash may have a beneficial impact on the earth.
In closing, studies showed that both peer and teacher relationships are important for early adolescents’ behavioural engagement. The data was gathered for youngsters. However, the increasing rate of mental health issues among university students suggests that online learning affects people of all ages.
Students develop a feeling of togetherness and form strong relationships and networks during their academic years. A survey found that 52% of college students felt they learnt less. Only 8% claimed they had learnt more.
On the other hand, some students are happy with online learning. Because they are living with parents which saves a lot of money for them. Some could manage their job and study easily, and some feel more connected with one-on-one sessions with professors.
You can also check out the effects of school opening on children’s health. Share with us if you are worried, excited or have mixed feelings about in-person learning.
For younger students see our blog here.
Written By: Samreen Ishaq
