What Should Students Do During the Coronavirus Outbreak

Campuses have become deserted and universities are planning to conduct online classes, leaving many students unsure about what to do next. There is so much uncertainty all around as everything is getting cancelled.

But in this time of chaos, universities and staff are working hard to make sure students are safe and able to continue their degrees.

We are getting a lot of queries from students about how to deal with this situation and be safe in it as many of them are away from their home and parents. In this blog, we would like to address some of the common queries of the students. 

1. Should I Self Isolate? 

Yes, this is the best thing to do right now. The health services and the government has advised to self-isolate even if you don’t experience any coronavirus symptoms like a high temperature or a new, continuous cough. 

This means you should avoid meeting up with friends and practice social distancing to reduce the spread of the virus.  You can go out for a walk to exercise but stay two metres away from others.

2. Do universities have any helplines?

Most of the universities have dedicated helplines and have strengthened their existing student support services to answer questions about COVID-19 related to education. 

Many vice-chancellors and heads of departments are also providing regular updates, so you must visit your university website and check your emails regularly to stay updated about the situation. 

Don’t panic as it can take time for staff to respond as measures may need to be cleared with management first. You can also visit this website to know about Coronavirus (COVID-19) – information for universities. 

3. Should I go home?

Not all universities have asked its students to leave their campus halls as the on-campus activities have been cancelled or paused for the time being. Students can remain on campus if they wish to and continue with their studies as the lectures are moving online. 

For international students, the issue is more concerning as many countries have closed their borders and putting restrictions in place. If you do decide to stay on campus, measures are being taken to support students during self-isolation due to coronavirus. 

According to reports,  if the number of students self-isolating continues to increase, some universities are planning to differentiate between accommodation. Those within an en-suite room may be supported in their existing rooms and those without will be moved to designated accommodation. 

4. How can I still study?

We can understand that it is quite difficult to sit down and concentrate on your studies while this is going on. The universities are planning to take the lectures online and pause on the face-to-face provision in an educational setting. 

Amendments are being made to exam questions if sections of a syllabus have been missed, and moving assessments online.

In the meantime, there are resources available and you can use this time to make progress and get on top of your grades. 

5. How can I cope with anxiety?

Maintaining your mental health and wellbeing is important. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be distressing so take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories every now and then, including social media. 

Take care of your body by practising yoga, inhouse exercises, and meditation. Try to include healthy eating, well-balanced meals, plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol. Connect with your friends over skype and try to indulge in some activities you enjoy.

University Living team and its accommodation partners are trying everything they can to keep the students safe in their respective accommodations. If you have any other questions regarding the recent global healthcare crisis, you can get in touch with our 24/7 support team of experts who are working remotely to accommodate requests for alternative student housing.