Returning to college during Covid

Much of the media attention around the impact of Covid 19 on education since March revolved around second-level and in particular Leaving Cert students. College students were equally effected and in the last two weeks we have seen 3rd level institutions across the country starting lectures with students embarking on a very different college experience in the 2020-2021 academic year. With most courses and colleges operating fully or predominantly online for the coming weeks and probably for the entire first semester, students must adapt quickly to the challenge of remote learning and a different college life to what was anticipated.

First Years will need to tune in really quickly to the online platforms used by the college and engage efficiently with any email correspondence from the college in relation to registration, timetabling, subject options etc. No doubt having lost out on important milestones during your final year in secondary school, you were looking forward to the freedom and excitement of college life. For most, that is on hold as recent public health guidelines have restricted on-campus activities. Of course it isn’t how you dreamt it would be but as you have shown time and time again, you are up to the challenges of being educated the ‘Covid’ way. Engage in all classes and activities organized to help first year’s settle in albeit remotely and avail of all the support services provided by the colleges. Try your very best to connect with classmates even if it is online, you will be getting to know each other well throughout the course. Make contact by phone or email with your course co-ordinator and the student union welfare officer if you are struggling academically or personally at any stage. Don’t be afraid to reach out - there is always someone in the college to help. It can be easy to disengage when you feel disconnected but remember that thousands of others will have similar feelings. Search the Clubs & Societies in your college on social media and connect with people who have similar interests.

For those returning to college you may feel that lack of connection with college friends and may not have the same appetite for remote lectures and tutorials but hopefully in time you will get back to having face-to-face contact with lecturers and classmates and enjoy the college experience in ‘real-time’. In the meantime focus on setting goals at the beginning of each week to pace yourself effectively through the semester and don’t forget to reward yourself for doing so! For final year students focus on getting a top class degree and avail of all the supports the career services in the colleges are offering to prepare you effectively for the changing landscape of the world of work.

Lack of ‘connectivity’ has caused huge frustration, anxiety and practical difficulties for college students and as a step towards alleviating this Minister Harris announced a support package worth €15 million to provide devices to students in need. This is being managed through individual colleges and ETBs so make sure to make contact with the relevant department if you need to access this support. Any students experiencing financial hardship should contact the student welfare office of the college to apply for the Student Assistance Fund which helps with costs associated with books and class materials, rent and utility bills, food, essential travel, childcare and medical bills. This is a difficult time for everyone, don’t be afraid to reach out to the support services available to you in all of the colleges. They are more than eager to help! There are also lots of very helpful tips and supportive resources available online on sites such as www.alustforlife.ie , www.spunout.ie and www.jigsaw.ie. Follow them on social media to keep up to date and reassured.