As a college student, this school year will likely look very different for you. Virtual classes are replacing traditional ones, and students will be forced to social distance. You have to worry about your health in addition to your academics. However, it is possible to adapt and to be successful despite this unprecedented health situation. In this article, we’ll discuss tips for freshmen starting college during COVID.
Follow your school’s rules (in other words: DON’T ATTEND LARGE GATHERINGS!)
Before you arrive on campus, you should be aware of what the restrictions are at your school. An easy way to do this is to go to your school’s website and look for a “COVID-19” or “health” page; you’ll probably find your school’s guidelines there. Once you know what the guidelines and restrictions are, you should be prepared to follow them. For example, one of the most general restrictions is a ban on large gatherings. Please don’t attend large gatherings, like parties. Instead, opt for virtual social events and video chatting with your friends. Be prepared for your upcoming semester by learning what the restrictions are at your school.
Keep your living area clean
Once you move in, keep your living area clean. If you keep your living area clean, you will reduce your chances of getting sick. It also builds good hygiene habits that you can keep for the rest of your life. Of course, always wash your hands as soon as you enter your apartment/dorm. It’s a good idea to frequently disinfect surfaces (like countertops and tabletops) and “high touch” areas (like doorknobs and light switches). In addition, it won’t hurt to disinfect your electronic devices, either. Keeping your living space clean will help you stay healthy
Stay focused on your online classes
Most of your classes will likely be online this semester. If you have never taken an online class, that can be an adjustment. You will be at home, with many distractions and no one to keep you focused on your task, rather than sitting in a classroom with a teacher to keep you in check. At home, it’s way too easy to distract yourself at home with things like TV or snacks. When you do online school, you can’t do that. You will need to be responsible for making sure you complete all the work you need to. After a couple of weeks of taking classes online, you will know how to stay focused on your online classes.
Maintain a routine and schedule
Maintaining a routine is a good habit for anyone to build. But now, in these unstable times, having a stable routine is more important than ever. For example, making a schedule for yourself will ensure that you get everything done. It will also train your brain to be focused during certain times of the day (if you do your chemistry homework every Monday at 4 p.m. for a few weeks, your brain will know to be focused at that time). A schedule will also keep you from procrastinating. Even when taking classes in person, it’s a good idea to maintain a routine and a schedule.
Stay connected with friends and family
Social distancing can be very isolating, especially when you’re in a new environment and don’t know many people. Isolation can be bad for your mental health. For that reason, it’s important for you to stay connected with your friends and family. Take advantage of the technology we have now to stay in touch with them. You can do things like FaceTime your friends from back home or call your mom. Although it’s not quite the same as hanging out in person, communicating virtually will make you feel less alone in these lonely times.
Ask for help if you need it
One of the biggest skills you will learn in college is to ask for help if you need it. In college, you need to look out for yourself (rather than depend on a teacher to look out for you). Your classes will likely be bigger, so it will difficult for a professor to know if an individual student is struggling. If you are struggling in a class, email the professor and ask them questions. 99% of professors will happily help you since that’s what they are there to do. Asking for help shows them you care about the class. In fact, if you don’t reach out to them, they might assume you don’t care. Similarly, if you are struggling in any area of your life, tell someone and ask for help. There are resources on campus to help you if you are struggling academically, physically, or mentally. When you ask, you will get the help you need.
Clearly, college students will need to adapt to a new style of learning for this year. It will take some time, especially for freshmen, to get used to. But if you follow these tips, you can be a successful, healthy college student.
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