Nothing about college this year is typical. From virtual classes, to Zoom clubs, to hanging out with masked friends, every aspect of campus life has been altered in some way. It’s so difficult to meet new people and foster a sense of community when forced to socially distance and worry about catching COVID-19.
And yet, students living on campus this semester often forget that there still is so much of college that they get to experience. Students can bond with roommates, host library study sessions, go on coffee dates and so much more!
For those living at home this semester, college feels even more foreign. Isolated at home, many of these students simply feel like they are learning from a computer and are lacking any sort of a college community.
“It’s really hard to feel included when I can’t attend any in-person classes or events. I feel very socially isolated and like I don’t really know how to make friends because [there are] not any classes where I could sit by someone … I don’t live in a dorm or on campus, and because of that I am having a really hard time connecting with people,” noted UF freshman Chloe Pate.
But for other students, living at home is not such a terrible option. After experiencing some of the challenges of campus life during the lockdown, Breanna Rogers reflected, “I do feel disconnected from the UF community since I’m living at home, but even living at UF … everything was mostly shut down and it felt super isolated.”
Remote students reported feeling much more connected to UF making friends reaching out to others via social media and Zoom. One student living at home, Ben Castillo, remarked “I don’t really feel disconnected from the UF community, since I know a lot of people are having trouble making friends due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, it would be nice to have more personable relationships with people because I’ve just been making friendships over Zoom and Snapchat.” For Castillo, joining the swim team and partaking in a club outside of school has helped him connect to UF, even while living three hours away.
Even at home, students should put effort into connecting with students in classes through GroupMes, Facebook groups, Snapchat group chats and small classes. Find clubs that interest you and join them! The majority of clubs are meeting through Zoom this semester, and even at home it is possible to find a group that resonates with you. Remain updated on events happening on campus. Get all decked out in UF apparel and experience Game Day virtually!
Students at home should try to create an interactive college setting. Redecorate your study area so it feels like a college dorm: add UF colors and posters, vibrant lights and organize your supplies. Have a set place to do your schoolwork that feels different fromwhere would you normally chill and hang out.
Remember that just because you are living home this semester, you still are a Gator at heart. The Swamp will always be your home!