Overall, lockdown for so many university students has been deemed as hugely unpopular.
Particularly with the loss of sports' social nights, Monday Night Bridge, the end of year sports awards, no briefings for next year's module choices and also, the end of lectures.
The 9am lectures are probably not missed too much though!
Evidently, lockdown wasn't good news for anyone.
However, for so many students the biggest impact was on the outcome of their degree results and the ability to produce their best dissertations and coursework. For many people, working from home has added complications like typing out their essays from the stairs so they could reach the WIFI router or trying to find the time in-between caring for their younger siblings or family members to concentrate. This was all often done without laptops, access to WIFI, online lecture help, or even a desk, all whilst battling with the anxiety of the global pandemic that BBC News was constantly reminding them about, with the death toll increasing rapidly. So, I think we can see how many students have had a tremendously intense time trying to finish off their degrees that will (hopefully) set them up for life and their jobs next year.
Many people can relate to the mental health impacts of lockdown, whether they be a student, a parent, a grandparent, whatever your circumstance. According to the Mental Health Foundation, a fifth of people in the UK drunk more alcohol in just the first week of April alone to cope with the stress.
Hence, I think it has been important during this time to identify the things you enjoy doing and concentrate on them, such as gardening, cooking or exercising.
I found as a student that keeping busy with hobbies and exercise made everything a lot less intense! By learning lots of new healthy, and often not so healthy recipes, my situation at home with my parents has been a lot more interesting. I've felt really grateful for living in the countryside, and with so much space around it has helped reduce any blips of anxiety.
Personally, the lockdown hasn't been all that negative, and being completely forced to stay at home has left me more time to concentrate on university work, probably a whole lot more than if I was at uni… Whilst also learning and becoming more confident in new areas. However, the library resources were hugely missed – my lecturers often noted in my feedback I was lacking in recourses and evidence.
Whatever is around the corner, finding the positives and seeking the opportunity for growth will always help you prevail.
Get in touch us for a quick chat on how we can help you seek and grasp opportunities in this current climate: