Term 1… That’s a wrap!

Well everyone, in a week’s time, this term will have officially come to an end. Although, with fully online teaching commencing from Monday, it sort of feels like it already has!

In this blog, I’ll be reflecting on this term at Warwick. I hope that, as you read this, you will also take some time to reflect on the highs and the lows!

What have I enjoyed this term?

Quality time with housemates : While most of this term has been spent in lockdown, meaning we were all unable to see friends outside of our homes, there has been some good about it! My housemates and I have spent a lot of time together (it was inevitable), much more than we would have done in normal circumstances! With us all being home most of the time, we have been able to do small but nice things like eat together every day, watch a bit of daytime TV in between doing work, and just generally spend more time together.

We were still able to enjoy certain aspects of Warwick: Whether that be the sheer excitement of getting a Pret takeaway festive hot chocolate, or being able to use the sports centre prior to lockdown, I still feel as though I have had some kind of campus experience. Of course, this is not the case for individuals who, as well as lockdown, have had to isolate at other various points in term. I feel very fortunate that I have not had to do this.

The online community feel: I was doubtful about how much I would enjoy online seminars, however, I have found there to be some positives about it! In some circumstances, I feel more confident in contributing to class discussions when it is online. It is also quite nice to learn in the comfort of your own home. I have definitely enjoyed the online community feel that has been created, and I would not hesitate to get involved in future online events!

What hasn’t been so good?

There’s no point denying it, this term has also been extremely difficult for us students! In a large sense I feel a lot of us are welcoming the thought of going home for Christmas.

While I wont focus on each and every negative aspect of COVID and university, I think one of the most significant things to note is how much this pandemic has affected university students’ wellbeing. With so many limitations presented to students, such as a lack of socialising with friends, decreased societal events, decreased time on campus, and so much more, I think we all need to be kind to ourselves. It has been a difficult term, but we made it through. Don’t feel disheartened if this term hasn’t been as amazing as you’d expected – everyone is feeling the same right now. Everyone has had plans cancelled, and opportunities limited.

So, I think it’s important to have some takeaway points for this term:

• Be compassionate to yourself and others. We are all feeling the end of term tiredness, but we must remember to keep looking out for our own mental health and others.
• Be proud of your achievements. I mean this in the broadest sense possible. Be proud that you kept going with your workload, be proud that you managed to stay connected with friends that you couldn’t meet up with.

And, finally:

Have a relaxing and enjoyable Christmas break! You definitely deserve it! 😊