When it was first rumoured that the UK was going into lockdown, universities suspended face-to-face teaching imminently. Following a year of on and off strikes, I am sure many other students would agree that this isn’t the academic year we had in mind – especially us first years. Fast forward 12 weeks and the majority of students have now finished for the year, but did anyone stop to consider how the pandemic impacted university students?
The media coverage predominantly focused on students in year 11 and 13, as they weren’t able to sit their exams and there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding their grades. However, many failed to realise that university students had to carry on despite the circumstances.
As the majority of students moved home, they had to create a makeshift study space for themselves. This proved to be a difficult task as family members may have also been working from home. The most productive way to get work done is to separate the environment that you work in from the environment you relax in. While we’re at university this is an easy task as we’d spend our days at the library and spend our evenings relaxing at home.
Although most exams were open book and students were able to use their notes, certain external bodies couldn’t offer open book exams. They feared it would compromise the integrity of their qualifications. This meant students not only had to write essays without their library facilities, but they’ve had to revise for closed book exams too.
“I believe my university put our best interests at the heart of their decisions.”
My closed book exams were invigilated using software which watched, listened and recorded you while you were sitting the exam. Although technology proved to be a saviour for those who were happy to sit their exams, those who did not have the right equipment will have to sit them at a later date. It’s a shame that not everyone had the choice as to whether they wanted to sit them.
Despite difficulties we have faced, universities have been extremely understanding during this time. They’ve provided deadline extensions, many support services for those who need them and have always been on hand to help. Trying to work during such uncertain times can be taxing on anyone’s mental health, but I believe my university put our best interests at the heart of their decisions.
Katie Wheatley
Image courtesy of Mikael Kristenson on Unsplash.