‘It’s Surreal’- A self-isolating Keele University student’s experience
Like many students up and down the country, students at Keele University haven’t had quite the same experience as usual. Marshall, a third-year student living in halls at the university described his time this year as ‘Surreal’. However, there have been a handful of positives.
Remote, but more engaging
Marshall is currently self isolating while waiting to hear back from a Coronavirus test his flat mate has had to take. Due to his lectures being online, he has actually felt his engagement has improved since coming back to University.
‘They’re more engaging, being online, because I’m able to fiddle with stuff and not distract people, which I struggle with.’
He also highlighted how members of his course actually had improved mental health, while lectures have been remote.
‘There are some people on my course that have quite bad anxiety and in in-person lectures, they struggle to speak and get their words out. Online they’ve been really fluent.’
This improvement caused by remote lectures may have some bearing on changes to university life in a post-Covid world. In a society where people’s mental health is an increasingly important topic, decreased anxiety and better engagement is a surprising positive to come about from remote classes.
Keeping to the guidelines
It appears the Keele are making sure there is no room for manouvre, in terms of sticking to the Government’s guidelines with University buildings. Each student has been informed of the rules surrounding each building.
‘In terms of what they’ve actually done in the buildings, it’s quite rigorous in terms of layout. They’ve got floor plans, which are everywhere, they’ve published the layouts online and also sent it privately via email.’
This is highlighted by images on Twitter that show the heavily signposted areas around Keele campus.
Social troubles
In spite of the enforcing of the guidelines, the University has clearly had some trouble keeping students from breaking the guidelines in halls or off campus. As Marshall said…
‘I’m aware that there have been a number of parties that have breached regulations. I’m not too sure how security have dealt with that or if the Uni has addressed it.’
This is frustrating for students who are sticking to the rules, as they are limited in who they can interact with. A colour coding system has been brought in to make sure students in high risk areas aren’t mixing with others.
In terms of official University social events, it has obviously been a tough year for organisers. The events on offer have hardly lived up to previous years.
‘There’s been comedy nights, and maybe live music, I’m not sure. But I know it’s very much, you just sit there and drink in your bubble.’
£10 wasted
Marshall certainly had one bone to pick with the university. The scheme set up to provide students who couldn’t move from their halls with 24 hours worth of food.
‘I did one, just to test it out, because I’d heard other Universities had problems with it. My fears were very much confirmed. They didn’t follow your order whatsoever, they just throw in whatever, and it’s definitely not worth what they’re charging. They’re charging £9.95, the contents definitely don’t add up to that, they’re turning a profit on us.’
Wouldn’t be the same at home
This gripe is one of many that students such as Marshall have with being back at university in such uncertain times. But in general, he believes that his studying wouldn’t be as effective if it was at home.
‘I really needed to be away from home, to be able to focus on studying. I don’t have the same workspace, and freedom and mental stability to do it in a place that isn’t away from home.’
This comes back to a major issue of saying students shouldn’t have gone back. Marshall believes being in halls really helps students mental health, as issues are shared with flat mates and other students. University wouldn’t do its job if students weren’t nearby.
Do you think students should have been allowed back to university? Comment below with your views.
