The University has seen some challenging times of late, and we’ve compiled this to help students in all the schools. We hope you find some use to it
The University has seen some challenging times of late, and we’ve compiled this to help students in all the schools. We hope you find some use to it, and hope you're all well! Please have a look at some great general self-isolation tips from Samira, the Vice President (Welfare).
For some fitness tips by Faye, the Vice President for Activities head to the Union of Students facebook page. The current situation and the subsequent closure of the university has been especially hard on the University’s makers. A lot of us have had to move home and seriously downsize or even abandon our projects completely. We’ve had to rethink our entire body of work and find ways to continue making.
While we are an extremely resilient, innovative bunch, the strain has been immense. There is no way to continue like it’s business as usual. So much of our energy is needed elsewhere and needs to be redirected into supporting ourselves and our families and friends. What we need to remember is that it’s ok to not be ok. It’s ok to grieve the loss of facilities, to mourn the loss of our Degree shows and final showcases. It’s ok to take time off and not be creative. Read that book that makes reality disappear, watch that show that makes you smile, play that video game with the amazing graphics. Surround yourself with what revives your creative energy and gives you hope.
All these beings said it’s easy to fall into the trap of procrastination. While taking time off to process is extremely important, starting to make again is extremely important and will help build a new sense of normal.
Here are some tips that you might find helpful:
- First step is to find a place to work. While it might not be ideal and might take a bit of time to sort out, you need a space dedicated to doing work to get those cogs turning again
- If you have children to entertain, it might actually be an interesting idea to bring them into the project. Having to explain the concept and how it works in a simpler way might actually help you re-examine it and find new solutions. Check out Kellyann’s post on “Top Tips for Student Parents”/ for more tips
- Don’t try and do everything at once! Making lists of tasks is a great way to stay motivated but it can also be overwhelming. Be realistic about what you can do each day and don’t be hard on yourself if something takes you a bit longer than planned
- Organise a video study group or chat. You don’t need to actively talk to each other. It might however simulate the sense of a workshop or studio space, where you can bounce ideas off other people or work together to solve problems
- If you’re stuck, set up a one to one with your tutor or a lecturer you have a good relationship. While they are trying to adapt to the new situation same as you, they are makers as well and together you can find ways of moving your project forward, whatever difficulties you face
Obviously not everything is work… right now is a time to make sure to still make use and connect with others:
Remember, engaging with online learning is key now. It's new for students and staff alike. And it's a challenge everyone in the world is facing from businesses to schools. So patience is key, and working with them to help improve the online tools you use.
“At this time it can be really easy, even with these tips about studying remotely, to be more critical and hard upon yourself. This is a unique time with a lot of uncertainty that both students and staff are working with. It can be very easy to become swept up by the news and it is very natural to be worried and anxious at this time. And that can often result in us being more self-critical. So our key message for studying is be kind to and gentle with yourself. It can help to consider how you would support a friend through this and the words you might use to them, to say those words to yourself. Recognise that this is a difficult time which may be bringing challenging thoughts and worries, so take time to acknowledge you are doing the best you can. We will all make mistakes along the way of learning to use new teaching methods and interacting with each other remotely. While we may be physically distancing ourselves our social connection is even more important to help each other. Be supportive of others and of yourself.”
Thank you for reading and take care,
Nina Cupric, Part Time Officer (Arts and Media)
Joseph Webster, Part Time Officer (Business School)