How to make the most out of living in a university town amid COVID-19
6 WAYS TO LET GO OF YOUR UNPRODUCTIVITY
If you’re reading this, you’re probably a student. And as we all know,
2020 has been a challenging year.
Students missing out on prom, graduation, exchange, and more importantly, missing out on the student life that once connected a beautiful community of young thriving individuals ready to take on opportunities. This past year has left students empty of memorable experiences of “what could have been”.
For those fellow students still living in their university town despite remote learning, you probably had second thoughts about staying home. I’m currently writing this from Kingston, Ontario, and though saving money on rent and home-cooked meals were tempting offers, being immersed with my friends and students in my program felt like a better alternative.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re bored. Staring at the same screen and sitting in the same chair for hours every day. Although circumstances aren’t ideal, here are a few tips that have helped me stay productive and attempt to maintain a “normal” life.
#1 Go somewhere other than your room to study
First things first, I always try my best to leave the house. I avoid working in my room throughout the day because the easy access to my bed usually results in a nap. Since booking a seat at the library is pre-scheduled, this pushes me to do my work. Also, going to coffee shops or random facilities around campus have been great alternatives as well! In these settings, there are usually more students doing their respective work, and when I see other people productive, it further influences me.
#2 Find the time for physical activity
Quarantine weight is real! Without walking to classes, it has been difficult to find the motivation to exercise altogether. In September, I rollerbladed and played volleyball at the park. Now, I book the gym! I’m currently on my 2nd strike of absence and refraining from meeting my last strike has further pushed me to go to the gym when I book it accordingly.
#3 Participate in in-class discussion
Attending class live sessions have also helped drive the sense of class community I truly miss. In some of my classes, we split into breakout rooms for topic discussions, and it’s nice having those subtle interactions with fellow students. On top of this, attending office hours have been a great way I’ve been able to form a relationship with my professors.
#4 Time block your calendar
Before COVID-19, there were set schedules for all classes. Now that schedules are more autonomous with pre-recorded classes, it is incredibly easy to fall behind. Time blocking and physically moving around to different locations have truly helped me structure my day. From organizing when I cook, take study breaks, and attend lectures, time blocking every hour has provided structure to my day. This has allowed me to remain motivated and look forward to completing my work.
#5 Virtual coffee chatting
Being in a business program, building relationships is so important, yet impossible amid COVID. Scheduling remote coffee chats with upper years or literally anyone on LinkedIn has helped keep me curious and inspired to move forward with my career path. Although it’s not ideal, think of it as a free ticket to chat with anyone from around the world. I’ve spoken with people from Singapore, Shanghai, New Zealand, Washington DC, and even landed an opportunity at an organization located in New York City! The world is your oyster. Do not be afraid! The worse outcome would be no one responding to your message, and people are busy so there are no heart feelings.
#6 Prioritize your mental health
Lastly, prioritizing my mental health has been far more important than ever. It’s a tough world we’re living in today. Take the time to recollect yourself. Whether it’s watching a movie, meditating, or attending an under-10-person social gathering, treat yourself because you deserve it!
