Back to College during COVID-19

Going back to college is stressful as it is, whether you’re a college freshman and moving into your first dorm or a college senior returning for your last year, there’s always stress involved in going back. Even the most seasoned student can’t deny the stress.

Unfortunately, COVID-19 hasn’t made things any easier. With online classes, staggered move-in days, no more social events, and the hassle of buying textbooks, this fall semester has been a rough start for sure.

Personally, this was the summer I moved into my own apartment, got my own pet, and quit my job. And I’m in the process of looking for a new one, which is never fun during any time of the year.

Here are some tips that I have found helpful not just this semester, but in the past.

For Moving

Label your boxes

This will save you so much time when unpacking. Instead of wondering where you packed that blanket, you know it’s in one of the ‘Bedroom’ boxes. Better yet, it’s in the ‘Blanket’ box!

Not only will it save you the hassle of digging in several boxes, it helps you decide what you should unpack first. Back to the bedroom box example, that should be where you start unpacking and can try to make your bed so one goal is done.

Pick one section or room and unpack that stuff and put it away

Like I said before, starting with the bedroom boxes will help exponentially. Instead of having bathroom stuff on your bedroom floor you just have all your bed, nightstand, dresser, and desk stuff to put up. Focus on one section (i.e. bed or desk) to get started

Buy kitchen stuff once you’ve unpacked, don’t pack stuff from home

This will save you SO much space in the car and save you the stress of even more boxes during move in

For School

Buy a planner for the semester AND a day planner

If you’re like me, you need some form of structure in life. Even though college itself has structure, sometimes (especially now, with almost strictly online classes), there’s not much of a solid structure. Having a day planner has helped me get my thoughts organized and figure out what I need to do each day. Here is my favorite To-Do Planner. It gives you space to write out your day (including meals!), an important task section, and a daily task section. And here is my favorite academic planner. With plenty of space for each day, it makes writing out assignments and planning the semester easier. Plus, it comes with a bunch of cute stickers! What could be better? (Cats, probably. Or coffee)

Meal prep

I’ll admit that in the past (and sometimes now) I struggle with meal prepping. But when I do, it makes my week so much easier! Instead of having to worry at 8pm about what I’m going to do for dinner, I have premade food that’s not just ramen or rice.

This website has been my saving grace for the past two weeks. It gives you meal recipes and even meal plans to follow (but, you have to pay for those, the recipes are free). Included in the recipe is how much it costs to make the meal and how much each serving costs. The easiest (and cheapest) way to get ingredients is to go to Target, Walmart, or your local grocery store and buy the store brand products. Even better, go to your local farmers market and buy fresh produce there! I prefer to do this on Sundays so I’m prepared for the week, but really this can be done any day.

Try to have a solid routine, and stick with it

I admit that I have trouble with this one. Staying up until 3am to do homework that you forgot about is my middle name. I’m sure many of you have done it too

This is why having a routine is important, so you’re NOT up until 3am doing homework. This is also where having a planner and a to do list comes in handy

In the morning, sit down and get together everything you’ll need to do for the day.

An example into my schedule would look like this

Zoom Classes 10, 11, 1, and 2

Lunch at 12

Do homework for tomorrow’s classes

Of course, yours would be more specific to what you have to do like what kind of homework you have or if you want to cook a meal

Make plans with friends

During COVID-19 it’s easy to feel isolated and alone as there’s not campus activities and you may not be able to see your friends as much as you’d like.

Pick a day or two each week to hang out with your friends and do nothing, or get together to do class work.

One of my favorite things to do with a close friend of mine is grocery shopping on the weekend. Not only does it get you out of the house for a little bit, you get to spend time with your friend(s) and prepare food for the week!

Most importantly, take care of your mental health. Seeing friends and having a routine can help with this, but sometimes we all need a little more, and that's okay! Many schools still offer counseling, although it may be virtual for now, usually if you’re a student you shouldn’t have to pay so that’s certainly something to take advantage of. If you need to, find a licensed therapist or counselor in your area and make an appointment to see them. Again, appointments are generally done virtually now. There are several online resources as well, such as Talk Space and other resources. Remember that you’re not alone. Help is a phone call or text message away.

Good luck to everyone returning to school, starting school, and everyone in between! I hope this list helps even in the slightest