A Pandemic-Proof Guide to Graduation
As a senior, I can relate to all the struggles that come with online classes. The lack of social interaction, WiFi disconnections during Zoom calls, or spending all day inside your bedroom behind your laptop screen. After nine months of staying at home, I know all about it. Here are some tips to help you survive this year and smoothly study your way towards graduation.
2020 has struck students and teachers from all ages, all over the world. At university level, students suddenly found themselves locked inside their 20 square meter studio apartments, taking online classes and living from deadline to deadline. But also students who returned to their family homes faced similar obstacles. Motivation has become a bigger challenge than ever, and although education is a privilege, the insecurities of online classes are true for soon-to-be graduates.
Besides the vital loss of experiencing a graduation ceremony, graduates find themselves insecure and unprepared coming to the highly-affected job market. Not only are there fewer jobs available, but the opportunity to network has also become very low, which is crucial to finding a job.
As a senior, I can relate to all the struggles that come with online classes. The lack of social interaction, WiFi disconnections during Zoom calls, or spending all day inside your bedroom behind your laptop screen. After nine months of staying at home, I know all about it.
Here are some tips to help you survive this year and smoothly study your way towards graduation.
1. Set boundaries for yourself
While working from home, it’s essential to create both physical and mental boundaries. It is important to separate your work and personal space, if possible. You can make a fixed spot where you do your work, which is preferably outside your bedroom. As students, we often don’t have the luxury of studying in a separate room. In that case, you can easily transform your space by changing your surroundings after work. Put your laptop, notebooks and anything else you use for work out of sight. Light a candle in your room to indicate the end of your work and the start of your free time.
Just like that, you want to mentally leave your work behind after you’ve closed your laptop. Don’t keep yourself busy with thoughts about exams, upcoming assignments etc. but leave those for tomorrow. Instead, do something that relaxes you to end your workday. Try to enjoy a good book or a Netflix show, or pick up your favorite hobby again.
2. Planning is key
Yes, you need to manage your time efficiently to make the best out of it. Even though online classes provide you with more freedom and flexibility, it also comes with the danger of not spending your time wisely or feeling overloaded. That’s when planning comes to the rescue.
Invest in a good method that works for you. You can try it the old-school way through paper diaries, or keep a bullet journal if you feel more creative. Perhaps online calendars are more suitable for you if you enjoy having more options, such as synchronizing appointments and calls. Of course, everyone knows Google Calendar and it works great for planning meetings and schedule-blocking. Or you can be like me and incorporate both methods!
3. Stay in touch
Maintaining social contacts nowadays is tough but crucial. Keep in touch with your fellow students and stay online after class to chat with your teacher if they have time.
4. Be active
Staying active prevents gaps in your CV and will also keep you from getting bored at home. More importantly, you can continue to work on your future career and goals by taking initiative.
Although many companies are struggling, some sectors are thriving. Look at delivery services for example. Try to find gaps in the market and see where you can fit in your expertise and knowledge. Don’t be afraid of open applications and take your chances!
Try to stay involved through extracurricular activities that take place online, either at your university or in the neighborhood. Or sign up as a volunteer which is very much needed right now.
5. Ask for help
Self-discipline is a challenge for many, and to be honest, so is it for me. That’s why I like to call the help of others. Ask your roommates, parents, or maybe even your neighbor to update on you. Set deadlines with them, even if it’s just to have breakfast together at 8 am every day so you’re forced to wake up early. Telling someone else about your plans and having them check on you can help you to do it. Let’s leave procrastination behind in 2020.
Especially for those who are writing their thesis or dissertation, self-discipline is very important since you do not have strict deadlines or assignments in between. You’re working towards that one final day, and it is hard to stay motivated throughout. Hopefully, with these tips, it will become much easier for you!
