Back to (virtual) school 2021: Tips for surviving college during the COVID-19 pandemic

Switching to remote classes is a huge transition from what we’ve been accustomed to with traditional courses. From preparing your workspace to keeping up with your classes, there are plenty of barriers to overcome if you want to succeed. So, how do we get through this virtual world and the impact on our day to day? Here are some tips so help college students succeed throughout a virtual semester:

1. Communicate with your professors & ask for help
Professors have also been isolated and want to get to know you. One-on-one and small group chats through virtual office hours allow professors to get to know you better. Also, while communication is already hard in person, it’s even easier for things to get lost in translation in a virtual meeting. Be sure to communicate if you enjoyed an assignment, if you found an example helpful, if you submitted an assignment, or if something is going on in your life that the professor should be aware of. Don't be afraid to ask questions about policies, schedules, or expectations – everything seems new in the virtual environment.

2. Organize yourself
Create an organized workspace at home that is conductive to learning to help you stay focused. Keep your desk separate from other distractions in the home. Keep your desk area clean to avoid distractions. Organize your schoolwork to create structure. Organize class material in separate folders for each class. Create a calendar with due dates and reminders. At the beginning of each week, identify your short term and long term goals. Make a daily to-do list. Structure is especially necessary during these times.

3. Create a routine & take breaks
In addition to structure, consistency is also important right now to help improve your motivation and focus. Be sure to get enough sleep and wake up at the same time each morning. Follow your usual routine such as have breakfast, exercise to help mentally prepare you to study. Get out of your PJs and get dressed in your normal school clothes to avoid lounging on the couch. Stay on top of your classes by structuring your time to complete your readings, videos, work on assignments, and connect with classmates. With no commute to class, take advantage of the downtime and build in some outdoor time, exercise, or find other ways to relax and regain your focus. Go to sleep at a regular time to allow your body to adjust to new routine and schedule.

4. Turn off distractions & set boundaries
It can be hard to say no to friends when you don’t have to go to class, but you can let them know you're busy when you're in your workspace. While you’re working, take a break from social media and the news by distancing yourself from electronics to help you stay focused. Also, if you have a 10 minute break, don’t spend it scrolling through Facebook or checking email, actually step away and take a beneficial break stretching or walking outside.

5. Maintain relationships, meet people, and find ways to get involved virtually
Physical distancing doesn’t mean you can’t socialize. Arrive to virtual class early to strike up conversations with the professor or other classmates. Check in with your classmates for accountability. Form virtual study groups with your friends. Find something fun to do with the people you live with. Reach out to upperclassmen or at a club social event with similar interests and schedule time to chat. Once you make that initial push to reach out, everyone is so excited to help you grow and help you succeed. Also, make time for fun activities and nourishing relationships that truly make you happy. Reach out to friends to plan a virtual happy hour via video chat, join a virtual workout class, watch Netflix with your buddies. It’ll take some adjustments in a virtual world, but you can do it.

6. Don't try to do too much at once & manage your expectations
Don’t take on too much. Virtual learning is a tough adjustment, make sure to do less well and stay mentally healthy without overextending yourself. If you feel like your attention span isn’t as long as it was in a regular learning environment, don’t get too frustrated with yourself, but rather cut yourself some slack and reward your efforts. Focus on the immediate short term goals and take it one day at a time. Also, try not to think about the experiences you imagined doing in college. It’s going to be hard to find enjoyable aspects of this time if you continue to compare how different things are from what you wanted them to be. It’s up to you to view the conditions with the lens you want. Remember, this shall pass!

7. Be kind to yourself
These are stressful times. You have had to make major adjustments quickly. Take things day by day and try to stay organized and focused. Enjoy small moments of joy and practice gratitude for the things in your life. Nourish your body, mind, and soul. Exercise, stretch, eat mindfully, hydrate, sleep well. Listen to music, take a walk in nature, watch a video to learn a new skill. Connect with others. Remember, you’re not alone — no one has everything all figured out and we’re all in this together. Remind yourself you are doing the best you can, given the circumstances. You are strong for continuing your education during this pandemic. While there are huge challenges ahead, recognize your creative ideas, persistence and vision are a critical resource needed for us to adapt education for a new world.

​With these tips, I hope you can stay safe and healthy during these challenging times while finishing the semester strong!