By Alyssa Crutcher
With the constant unpredictability of COVID-19, many classes have been moved to Zoom since fall 2020. For myself and many other students, this method of learning does not work well in our favor. Focus, motivation, and confidence in your knowledge are disrupted, causing stress on upcoming assignments and exams. Personally, sitting in my dorm all day makes me feel lonely and isolated. It’s easy to fall into a lazy routine where you just lay in bed all day and only join class when necessary.
After experiencing school online for almost five semesters, I’ve come up with some tips and tricks to help myself, and others, navigate college from a distance.
Tip 1: Find a quiet, comfortable atmosphere to attend class that is NOT your bedroom
Attending class from your bedroom is definitely the easiest option. However, doing this every day can become old and boring. It’s also harder to focus in this environment, surrounded by all your belongings. Along with that, you’ll likely end up getting distracted by your comfortable bed, or even the laundry you forgot to fold yesterday. You may suddenly have the urge to rearrange your books to be in alphabetical order — anything that doesn’t require you to stare at a screen. During Zoom classes is usually when I decide my bed needs to be made or my closet needs to be reorganized.
It’s important to find a place outside your bedroom that is comfortable and quiet. Some examples of this include: the library, a study room, a coffee shop, or even sitting outside in the grass or on a bench. Everyone is different, so try different places to see what works best for you.. I’ve found that I focus better in the library than any other place. Try to surround yourself with people who are also working to help you be more motivated.
Tip 2: Don’t wake up half an hour before class starts
Waking up immediately before your Zoom class begins is an easy habit to fall into. I’ve found myself doing this many times, and typically end up not wanting to get out of bed all day. Getting into this habit does far more harm than good. I’ve gotten so used to staying in all day that when I do have to get up, get dressed, and go out, I have absolutely no motivation to do so. Something to help break this habit is to set an alarm an hour or two before class starts, force yourself out of bed to get ready, and head to your favorite spot (as mentioned in tip 1). Maybe you can do some studying and homework before your class or get something to eat.
Tip 3: Put your phone away
Your phone can be the biggest distraction during a Zoom meeting. When it’s just sitting off to the side of you, you see every notification you get, and you lose your focus. “I have to text my friend back,” “I have to answer this email.” Moving your focus elsewhere, even just for a minute, can cause you to miss important bits of information in class, and then you’ll be lost once you refocus on your professor. I have found that this makes me think “oh well. I’m confused. I’ll just leave the Zoom. There’s no point,” which, obviously, does not help you in the long run. The notifications can wait until after your professor is finished. To help with this dilemma, try turning your phone completely off and putting it in a drawer so the distraction is gone.
Tip 4: Establish a routine for yourself
Similar to tip 2, establishing a routine for yourself is super important to keep your motivation levels high. Try to wake up at the same time every day. Get up, get dressed and make yourself some coffee. Go to any place (not your bedroom) to get some studying in or some homework done. Exercise, read, and leave some time for yourself. Remember to take breaks, but don’t procrastinate. Plan your day out and stick to the schedule. Don’t let it get repetitive, though. Switch it up day by day so it doesn’t feel like the same thing over and over.
Tip 5: Talk to classmates and professors regularly
It’s easy to see your classmates and professors as just faces on a screen, especially when you’re not actively participating. Make a point to learn your classmates names, form a GroupMe where you talk about assignments and other aspects of the class that you may be confused about. Keep in contact with your professor over email. Remember, your professor is most likely also struggling with holding class over Zoom. It’s nice for them to hear from their students, and it benefits you to get your name out there. You could also form a study group with your classmates and meet with them to do class together in a specific setting. Hold each other accountable and never be afraid to ask questions.
Having class over Zoom can be hard. Know you’re not alone in whatever you’re feeling. Establishing a routine and holding yourself accountable are two of the most important things you can do. Make yourself and your education a priority. Take breaks when needed. Reward yourself for the little achievements and know you’re pushing yourself through something that has not really been experienced by students before you. Make friends and form connections. In the end, you will be appreciative of what you accomplished and be happier with how you feel.