The outbreak of COVID-19 has changed the way we live, and of course, universities and their students have been affected too.
Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria have stopped face-to-face teaching, and moved to a system of online learning. Campuses are closed, although in the case of Lancaster University, where many students live on-campus, they’re still able to visit shops to purchase essential services such as food and medicine. University staff are working remotely, and students are continuing their learning online - it’s a far cry from typical student life, where students are taught in large lecture groups, or chatty seminar sessions.
This is an unprecedented situation, and we understand that some students might be feeling worried about their studies, or even about the future. But we’ve put together some simple tips to follow to keep safe and physically healthy, as well as mentally healthy, while you’re in lockdown or self-isolation.
Try to stick to a regular routine. Wake up at a reasonable time, and plan your day. If your lectures and seminars are online, try attending your timetable as you would in normal circumstances - make sure you’re keeping up with your reading and assignments. You should also schedule breaks, whether that’s for eating, or going for your daily outdoor walk or form of exercise. Once it gets to the evening, stop studying and take some time for yourself: cook dinner, watch a film or put on some music, and relax. These breaks are important for maintaining your physical wellbeing.
Keep in contact with other people. You might have gone home from university to be with your family, or you might be in your student house or accommodation with your friends - or if you’re in self-isolation, you might be on your own. In any case, it’s really important to keep talking to others. You can still spend time with people in your own household, but if you’re missing the outside world or friends you can’t go to see, you can still stay in touch through phone calls or FaceTime. This is also a great way to communicate with older family members who might be self isolating due to their age, or family members who live further away.
Stay safe. The government guidelines are that we should be staying at home, and only leaving the house for food, medicine, or for one daily exercise (e.g. a walk or jog). When leaving your house, you should stay 2 metres (or 6 feet) away from other people at all times. You should also wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds as soon as you return home. If you develop a persistent cough or a high temperature, you should self isolate yourself for 14 days.
Both Lancaster University and the University of Cumbria are offering help and advice to students around the COVID-19 outbreak. You can find them here:
