As we enter a different phase of our university education amidst rapid changes in our personal, social and academic lives, many of us have been forced to rethink our study routines and how we do uni. With the news and government regulations changing by the hour, it can be an overwhelming experience for many of us. Here are some tips and tricks to make this sudden transition easier for you.
Social distancing 🡪 spatial distancing
You might not be able to go out much or sit less than 1.5 metres away from each other, but social distancing doesn’t have to be social isolation! Keeping yourself preoccupied is key to avoiding boredom. Make the most of this time to reconnect with family and friends, pursue a new hobby or read a book that’s been on your to-do list for a while. Set up a study group on Zoom (more on that below) to help each other. Try and get some sunlight too if possible, but avoid crowded public spaces and keep public health guidelines in mind.
Zoom zoom zoom– your new best friend
All USyd students have access to a Zoom Business account by signing up with your University email address. Most of you will be using Zoom for lecture and tutorial delivery, however it is also a great way to do groupwork (e.g. assignments, presentations). A Zoom account isn’t necessary to join other Zoom meetings, but you’ll need it if you want to set up your own meetings.
Features:
Screen sharing – great if you want to work through a document/PowerPoint that only one of you has access to or practice a presentation
Whiteboard – accessible via the “Share Screen” menu, allows you to write text and draw
Recording – you can record the Zoom call if you need to refer back to something later
Chat – between individuals or to a group
Breakout rooms – probably something your tutor uses in class
Apps – to jazz up your Zoom, connect external apps from the marketplace
Password and waiting room can be required upon entry.
TIP: For a more immersive experience, change up your background from a plain wall/your bedroom mess to one of SULS’ custom Zoom backgrounds, available here. Instructions on how to install a virtual background can be found here.
If your internet connection at home is unstable, try turning off your camera. Otherwise, you can also call into Zoom meetings with a phone – check the meeting invitation for details. If you don’t have Wi-Fi and only one of your devices needs an internet connection, USB tethering (rather than mobile hotspot) may provide a faster internet connection AND you can charge your phone (very slowly) at the same time.
TIP: As you may be using digital devices even more than you normally would, make sure you take regular breaks from your screen, rest your eyes, eat a snack and do some exercise.
Maintain a routine
Without the commute to uni, we can get more sleep (yay for our health!), but it’s also easy to sleep in without the structure of campus life. Schedule in your classes, study time, work, exercise and social time, either as a timetable or on a digital calendar/diary, and stick to it. Don’t get into the habit of missing lectures or tutorials if possible as you’ll regret it in week 13/STUVAC/exams. If you absolutely cannot make one of your classes, schedule time that afternoon/evening or the next day to watch the recording – do not let yourself fall behind.
TIP: import your Canvas calendar into your own calendar to see upcoming assignments and classes (including Zoom class links) – however this may cause all of the Zoom classes for your subjects to show up on your calendar, which can be irritating. An alternative is to set up recurring events for your timetabled classes on your calendar and copy and paste the Zoom invitation in the description, so you have easy access to your classes!
Have your own space
If possible, try and set aside a space (away from your bed!) that is dedicated to uni and study (and work if you’re working from home). This way, it’s easier to get into the mindset for uni/work as you’ve established your boundaries. This is the place for serious work - binge on Netflix and chat with friends on your bed or on a comfy sofa somewhere else! If there is only one place where you can study, change up the table settings to create this differential. For example, laying out notebooks and pens when studying, and taking the time to pack up your study setting and put things that help you relax such as a lamp, speakers and a candle can put you in the right mindset.
For some people, a good pair of headphones and a white noise playlist can help you get into the mood. If possible, elevate your laptop on top of a shoebox/old law textbook so the screen is eye level and use a separate mouse and keyboard to reduce neck strain and awkward double chins in Zoom classes. More tips on healthy computer ergonomics can be found here.
Participate in online society events
If you’re looking for something to do, SULS will be migrating many of its talks, wellbeing events and some campus/social events online. This includes our popular Law School Basics series, some of our workshops and talks from esteemed guests. Find out more here.
SULS also has a podcast, Footnotes, available wherever you get your podcasts, and we will be doing monthly releases from March.
Be sure to check back for our next instalment of online studying tips, where we explore how we can keep our mental health in check whilst in social (spatial) isolation. In the meantime, if you’re looking for some wellbeing tips, join the SULS Wellbeing Facebook Group.
Alison Chen is the SULS Publications Director and a BA/LLB III student. When she’s not studying or working, you can find her playing classical piano, bingeing on American late-night shows or doing Hapkido (a Korean martial art) in the dojang.
If you are interested in contributing to Citations or other SULS Publications, you can contact Alison at publications@suls.org.au.
If you need someone to talk to, feel free to contact Oscar Alcock (SULS Sports Director) at sport@suls.org.au or Dani Stephenson (SULS Campus Director) at campus@suls.org.au.
For further information about student support services and how SULS can help you, consult our 2020 Student Support Services Handbook or email Max Vishney (SULS Equity Officer) at equity@suls.org.au.