So much has changed in the world over the last several months, and for many, it can be difficult to picture what university will be like in the fall. As we are still living in a time of uncertainty, things are constantly changing and developing to help keep everyone around us safe, whilst also trying to establish some kind of normality. You may be wondering, ‘Is it still worth it for me to go to university this year?’. Our answer is yes, and here are a few reasons why!
1) A wide network of support
As Covid-19 has had such a massive impact on many of us, it
can be strange imagining yourself having a ‘normal’ university experience. For
some, it has been a continuous mental and physical health struggle, resulting
in needing a great amount of support from the people around them. The reality
is, the normal we once knew is going to be very different for quite a long time
still.
Though family and friends can be very helpful through this
time, it is important to note that universities also have some wonderful
resources designed for you, with people to look after you and provide extra
support. Now more than ever, the university staff will be more aware of the
mental health needs of the students, ensuring that people can easily get and
find help when needed.
In response to the pandemic, Universities will have a
helpful team whose focus is to provide help and support as you navigate through
your university experience and studies. Here at Unihousing, we have a dedicated
team who will be focusing on our students, making the accommodation process as
easy and straightforward as possible. We strive to help you find your ideal
living situation that creates the least amount of stress and can positively
boost your mental health in the upcoming year.
2) New city, new experiences
Though life is not back to normal yet, there is still a lot
to experience in a new city. Your university experience will most likely be
different than you expected, but you will still be granted the freedom to grow
and shape your days and weeks as you like. Moving from home into a new place is
an exciting new chapter, and the fact that you still get the chance to be
independent is brilliant. You will still get the benefits of being out on your
own, with the freedom to explore and fall in love with a new place and city.
Don’t be afraid to wander the streets, explore the culture
and find the exciting and unique things that make your new city stand out.
Another thing to remember is that you have an entire three years to explore and
get to know your surroundings. Even though some places and hotspots might still
be closed, you will have plenty of time in the future to experience and enjoy
them.
3) Safety is a priority
In these current times, Universities, student accommodation
providers and local authorities are working hard to ensure you are kept safe
and have adequate places to live and study in. Safety and following the
government guidelines is a main priority and focus, which will ensure that you
can have the best experience at university, knowing you will be well taken care
of. Though it may be difficult to picture how this next year will look like,
you can be sure that people are putting in a huge amount of work and effort
behind the scenes.
Many universities have also put
various systems in place to keep their tenants and students safe. This includes numerous cleaning measures, as well as social distancing rules that are emphasised throughout the campuses. Universities and accommodation providers in the UK will also be bringing in these systems, ensuring that
students feel safe and have as little stress as possible.
4) There could be an influx of students next year
As difficult as it already is to get into University, it is
likely that next year the number of students applying will greatly increase.
Therefore, this influx of students could mean that it will be even more
difficult to get that acceptance letter, and the spots for each degree will be
filled a lot quicker than normal. It is hard to predict what next year will
look like, so it is not a bad idea to start your degree now when the numbers of
applicants are a bit more evenly balanced.
The possible influx of students in the 2021 academic year
could be furthermore complicated as it is likely that most international
students may also postpone their studies until next year. This could be due to
finances and limited travel depending on the country.
5) Taking advantage of the world-class university facilities
As there could be fewer students around in the 2020 year,
you are more likely to have free use of the University facilities. This could
mean that you have even more freedom to explore all the University has to
offer, without being blocked by other students who got there first. Library’s,
computer labs, and even equipment could become more easily accessible to you
regularly. Imagine, not having to worry about being unable to book out a
laptop, finding a free computer or printer to use, or even scoring the best
study nook in the library!
6) More opportunities may open up
As our economy is going through a massive rough patch, jobs
are harder to keep and companies are harder to keep open. As difficult as this
is, it could create a lot of possibilities for many students this year. More
companies will likely begin advertising for volunteers or low paid work, which
could be the perfect opportunity for you to gather experience to add to your
CV.
Many companies have also begun focusing on remote work,
online courses and skill-sharing and collaborative projects. This could also
result in many courses reducing their prices, enabling students, freelancers
and other workers to find online resources and qualification courses that are more
affordable.
7) A gap year might not work out
Though some people may be thinking of trying a gap year
instead of university this year, it could prove more difficult to find
opportunities than it has been in the past. Since many businesses have been
struggling financially, finding internships, apprentices or side work could
prove more difficult than ever before. Travel is also a difficult thing to predict
right now. You might end up spending your gap year sitting on the couch!
With countless travel bans, quarantines and general health
monitoring, it could be extremely difficult to even leave the country. And
travelling from country to country and in some cases, even city to city could
prove to be near impossible. As all countries are independently experiencing
the virus and government-induced lockdowns, you could quite easily get stuck in
a country with no place to stay and unable to leave for long periods. It’s
important to remember that this pandemic is still evolving, and each country is
dealing with it differently.
8) You’ll still make friends and experience new things
As strange as this year has been so far, it’s important to
keep your head above water. Having something to focus on and work towards
throughout all of this craziness could be a very good thing. Many universities
have already begun planning ways to bring students together online, creating
social events where students can meet other students, and continue to follow
their interests. There are likely to also be some supported by face-to-face
events, which are done safely and with limited numbers. This means you’ll still
be able to follow your passions and sign up to clubs and societies, to meet
friends and explore your interests further.
You will still have countless opportunities to make friends on your course and in your accommodation, and you will be able to go through the future changes together. Lockdown for many, was a very lonely time, so having people by your side who are experiencing similar things, could be extremely helpful. And as frustrating as this pandemic has been, it could bring you closer to the people around you, your tutors, housemates and course mates. You are all in this together!
How can Unihousing Help out?
