What can you learn as a student in a pandemic
As we embark on a new year, you might reflect on your time at Oxford so far with a lot of mixed emotions, in the midst of this uniquely challenging academic year. During this time, you may find it helpful to consider how your experience and adaptability to learn and live within the constraints of the pandemic might have positively benefited your development, for Hilary term and beyond.
Reflective learning
Studying for a degree in the current climate requires flexibility, resourcefulness, discipline and resilience – all characteristics that will help you on your journey for the rest of your degree and life after Oxford. Take some time to consider how you have responded to the many challenges you have experienced by being a student at this time and the new skills you have developed.
Developing your self-belief
Identifying your strengths and motivations can be a worthwhile exercise and particularly one that you might find beneficial to try at this time to help boost your self-belief. This may not come naturally at first, but taking the time to write down what you love, what you are good at and why you do it is something that can help you look ahead and plan for where you want to be. You might find it helpful to try filling out an action plan too, as a way of managing the challenges that come with uncertainty.
Learning along the way
If you think you would benefit from finding ways to help you balance online learning and self-study this term, our study skills advice and training features guides on how to effectively take notes, how to contribute well and get the most out of discussions, time management, structuring your week and how to prioritise. You might find this student story about learning online a useful watch too.
Our dedicated remote study page can help you make sure you’re getting the most out of remote learning from tips for your working environment, communication, routine and the importance of taking time out.
Tips from the top
Learning about the experiences of others can help to view our own situations differently or encourage new approaches to try. Anne-Marie Imafidon, Keble alumna 2006 and CEO of Stemettes shares her story about entrepreneurship and being a woman in STEM.
Support during times of uncertainty
There’s a series of blogs and podcasts from The University Counselling Service designed to support you throughout the coronavirus pandemic, featuring topics such as coping with transitions, how to virtually connect and support each other and what to do if you’re struggling to motivate yourself to work.
Support and safety from a Safe Lodge
Social media guidance
Start of Trinity update on Oxford SU
Consideration and Respect for Exams
Student blog: Celebrating Sir Roger Bannister's four-minute mile
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