Although the majority of universities have revealed their plans for the next academic year, many students have been left feeling confused about what to expect and are questioning whether to defer a year. If you feel this way then don’t worry, it’s completely normal as we are living through such strange and unprecedented times.
The upcoming teaching will consist of a combination of online and in-person teaching. As all of the students on one course attend the same lectures, these will be online. Social distancing will not be possible in a lecture theatre with that many people. Whereas smaller tutor groups and seminars are likely to be in person, as social distancing can be achieved. Although it’s not ideal, at least you’ll be able to attend some of your classes and see your peers in person.
“Although there may be physical boundaries, this shouldn’t discourage you from trying to initiate and build friendships virtually.”
Social media is going to play an important role. Once you’ve received your grades and know which university you’ll be attending, join Facebook groups for your university and course. It is likely that a group chat will be made after results day for you and your coursemates to get to know one another – maybe you could be the person to set this up? Although there may be physical boundaries, this shouldn’t discourage you from trying to initiate and build friendships virtually. When the time comes when we’re allowed to socialise, you’ll thank yourself.
It’s important to make the most of being in your flat with your flatmates. You can spend this time bonding with them and getting to know them better. Typically, university is very full on from the beginning. In previous years if your flatmates weren’t on your course, you wouldn’t see them until you got back from a long day at university. It may benefit you that you’ll be spending more time at your flat, as you’ll see them more and you’ll be able to develop stronger friendships.
“Make sure you still join societies and sign up to extra-curricular activities.”
There has been talk that ‘Freshers’ Week’ will be postponed until early next year. Some people argue that this defeats the object of having a ‘Freshers’ Week’, as its purpose is to allow you to get to know people. If it’s done halfway through your first year, you’ll already have made friends. However, you’ll have made friends to enjoy these events with when the time comes. By then, you’ll have hopefully settled in and you’ll have found out which are the best events and places to visit.
Make sure you still join societies and sign up to extra-curricular activities. They will find a way for them to run regardless of everything that’s going on, as that’s what society committees are there for. Of course it will depend on which society or activity it is, but don’t be put off of joining. Eventually things will start to take shape and it’ll be a great opportunity to make friends on different courses and from different years.
There are still two months until everyone moves to university and things may change in that time. It’s important to take each day as it comes and to be optimistic about what the next academic year has to offer. You have to acknowledge that it won’t be the first year of university you had in mind, but it’ll still be one big adventure and learning curve.
Katie Wheatley
Featured image courtesy of Element5 Digital on Unsplash.
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