Students Coming Back for The Spring Term: What to Expect and How to Prepare

For students coming back to University for this term, it has likely felt slightly strange and as if they were walking into the unknown. As every University will have different rules and a different plan for course structure regarding Covid-19, it can feel like a minefield coming back to your accommodation and your student life. Below we have listed some of the changes that you should be expecting, and how you can prepare for life back at university!

What Should You Expect?

Universities Will Not Be Fully Back to Normal Yet

 

Currently, it seems that different universities are handling students coming back differently. Some courses are being asked to come onto campus, while others are still functioning digitally from home. Other courses might start moving towards a more ‘blended’ learning environment, which could mean that you would be in uni part-time, and at home for the rest of the time.

 

For smaller courses, there’s a good chance that you might be able to be in person, as long as social distancing can stay in place. If you are unsure about how your Uni and course will be doing, check with your university to find out. There will likely also be protocols in place for students who are weary or are unable to come in for in-person learning, so find out what those protocols are for your course beforehand.

Covid Testing Will Likely Be Required

 

As Covid is still a big concern, most universities will likely require regular covid tests for any students who come onto campus. Particularly while students have still not received any vaccines, Universities will want to keep everyone safe, however, they can. Fortunately, all students will now soon have access to free rapid testing twice a week, as restrictions begin to ease. You can check with your university to find out what their protocols will be, and how the regular testing will affect your course.

 

Student Accommodation is Open, But Rules Will Need to be Followed

 

Unihousing has remained open throughout the pandemic, to ensure that all of our students have their accommodation needs taken care of, without worry. If you have not been back to your studios yet, it’s worth noting that things could be slightly different. As you share a complex, you must maintain social distancing where possible in the communal spaces and wear masks inside our Unihousing office. According to the government guidelines, you should:

 

- Wash your hands regularly

- Keep two metres away from other people

- Wear face coverings in all communal areas of the property (unless you can’t due to medical reasons)

- Stick to the current household socialising restrictions in your area

- Only share lifts with people in your household

- Only come to reception when necessary

 

How Can You Prepare?

Bring Back All of The Things You Want and Need

 

This year has been full of packing and unpacking for all students. But as you return to your accommodation this time, it’s worth noting that with the vaccine rollout, Universities are less likely to close again until the summer. So, when you come back to Uni, make sure you take everything you want and need. Try to splurge on your luggage allowance, and take all of the little things that will make your room as cosy and homely as possible. With the year we have all had, you deserve to have a place to feel comfortable in!

 

Stock-up on Food Sooner Rather Than Later

This is a good tip for any student coming back from time away at home. Try doing bigger shops where you can buy all of the things you need, instead of spending extra cash on takeaway and spontaneous shops. Try thinking of easy and quick meals, as cooking can sometimes seem more difficult than ordering in. Therefore, if you have simple, tasty meals already at your disposal, you are less likely to spend money on food delivery.

 

Though it is not fun thinking about possibly having to self-isolate in the future, it’s good practice to stay on top of your shopping, so that you are stocked up in case you do have to self-isolate at any point.

 

Get Stuck Into a Routine

 

With the year we have had, coming back to University probably triggers different feelings for everyone. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the trip, the move-in process, your new schedule and just getting back to ‘normal’. As there is so much change and uncertainty around all of us, getting into a healthy routine will help you stay focused and stay on top of all of your deadlines and your mental health too!

 

Try to get to bed at a fairly reasonable hour, and plan out all of your lectures and study times each week. Map out when your big deadlines are too, that way you always have all of the relevant dates at hand when you need them. Don’t be afraid to message your lecturers and tutors if you need help with your coursework, or if you are feeling a bit lost. They will surely be happy to have some one-on-one zoom calls if that is helpful.  

 

Since you will likely still be doing a bit of home study, try to balance your work with your break and relax time. Make sure you are also keeping in check with your mental health, ensuring that you can keep your head above water throughout all of the change.

 

Catch Up With Friends and Flatmates

 

As most students are now coming back to uni, you will be surrounded by people who are in a similar boat and going through similar things. Try to catch up with your friends, course mates and flatmates, whether that is by having a walk in a park, or a chat on zoom. Don’t forget to put time and effort into your relationships, as they will help you stay sane and tackle feelings of homesickness during these next few months.

 

If you have flatmates, try to set aside some time to hang out together, whether that’s by cooking a meal, watching a film or playing games. Since you are in a bubble, you have more freedom and can spend time together more freely than with friends outside your bubble.

 

Finding Accommodation for Next Year: How Unihousing Can Help

 

As the final term of the year has begun, many students have started looking for their fall term accommodation. As one of the top student landlords in Selly Oak’s, Unihousing has a wide variety of properties and many years of experience providing properties for Birmingham students. Whether you are looking for solo or shared accommodation, our properties are fully fitted with all of the amenities a student would need during their stay. To view our properties and register your interest, visit our website today!