The COVID-19 pandemic altered almost every aspect of daily life, from how we shop for groceries to how we socialize to how we attend those early 8 a.m. lectures.
Pursuing a college education is now more challenging than ever.
A survey from BestColleges discovered that during the pandemic:
- 36% of students had trouble with time management;
- 46% felt lonely;
- and 56% had difficulty participating in their courses.
Here are nine resources that all college students need as we continue to weather the COVID-19 storm:
Mental Health Support
According to the American Psychological Association, about 41.6% of college students struggle with anxiety. Another 36.4% experience depression. Keep in mind that these were pre-COVID statistics reported back in 2013; those numbers have since risen due to the pandemic.
In response to this mental health crisis, many universities now offer on-campus and digital mental health services. That includes free one-on-one and group counseling.
But you can also pursue online outlets like TalkSpace or BetterHelp. Both services will link you with a licensed therapist who can help you sort through your trauma, develop a treatment plan, and overcome mental roadblocks.
Reliable Technology and Wi-Fi
On-campus classes are on an indefinite pause. And all classes have officially gone digital. But whether you’re attending lectures from the safety of your own home or your dorm room, reliable technology is a must.
In the scramble to keep attendance high, many university tech departments began offering laptop loaner programs. Some colleges even expanded these programs to include mobile hotspots with 4G LTE capabilities.
The only caveat is that you have to return your devices to the college by the end of the semester or face a fine.
Student Loan Support and Financial Aid
Almost 70% of all college students will take out student loans to cover tuition, on-campus housing, or supplies.
But with an unstable economy and job market, making regular loan repayments has proven challenging. And paying for tuition out of pocket has become unsustainable for many students.
Fortunately, financial assistance is available in the form of:
- COVID-19 emergency grants to cover expenses
- Financial aid adjustments
- SNAP benefits
- Broadband discounts and discounted equipment rentals
- Temporary 0% interest rates on student loans
Call your school’s financial department to determine which programs you’re eligible for to keep your education on track.
Unemployment
One in four Americans reported that a household member lost their job during COVID’s economic downturn. These figures also include college students holding down part-time jobs to cover tuition as they earn credits.
If you were left jobless due to the pandemic, you might be eligible to receive unemployment benefits.
Yet, the requirements vary from state to state. For example, you may have to prove that you’re actively looking for a new job or that you earned above a certain threshold to qualify.
Digital Fitness Classes
Exercise can improve nearly every aspect of your physical health, from strengthening your muscles to improving full-body flexibility. Yet, it can also relieve stress, enhance the quality of sleep, and boost confidence.
With most gyms closed or at limited capacity, digital fitness classes are the hottest fitness trend of the COVID era. Many colleges moved their on-campus fitness classes to Zoom. That includes bodyweight circuit training, yoga, and kickboxing.
Or, you can follow along with online classes hosted by local gyms, YouTube personalities, or even exercise platforms like Beachbody on Demand.
Video Conferencing Tools
Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Cisco Webex became unofficial lecture halls when case counts hit record numbers. As a result, all college students need at least one of these apps on their devices to participate in class discussions.
Video conferencing tools like Zoom are 100% free, supporting unlimited “meetings” capped at 40 minutes apiece. But these video conferencing tools are also crucial beyond the classroom.
You can also attend club meetings, exercise classes, group therapy, or socially distanced group hangouts without leaving your dorm or apartment.
Free Online Libraries
Reading books is an escape for many college students and often a requirement for creative writing, English, and literature classes. But what happens when the campus library is quarantined?
They don’t bring the same ambiance as the on-campus library cafe, but free online libraries can bring your next read to you.
Check out digital libraries like Bookyards and Bartleby when you have a literature assignment or the urge to read.
Online Tutoring
Not all college material comes easy, especially with more in-depth coursework like microbiology, anatomy, and statistics. And many college students lean on their peers in the form of study groups or on-campus tutoring to master the content and maintain their GPAs.
The pandemic only complicated the concept of getting “extra help.” It’s not the same, but online tutoring is the most logical pandemic alternative. Some of the best online tutoring resources for higher education include Tutor.com, GoPeer, and University Tutor.
The Vaccine and Masks
The most important thing you can do during the COVID-19 pandemic is to keep yourself and others around you safe. That includes social distancing, wearing masks, and getting vaccinated to curb the spread of the virus.
other related articles of interest:
How Is COVID-19 Changing The Way Students Engage Others & Staff at Colleges?
Worried About Being a Student During the Pandemic? Here Are 4 Ideas that Might Help
In America, the COVID-19 vaccines are free and can protect you from serious bouts with the virus.
Many colleges now offer mask vending machines (which also include hand sanitizer) and even free masks to all students. If you cannot afford masks, email your university to learn if any free or discounted masks are available.
Conclusion
The pandemic taught us all that nothing in life is certain. The small things we once took for granted — like in-person lectures and job security — are now luxuries we aren’t guaranteed.
Yet, even through tough times, the COVID-19 era also brought out the best in some people. There are thousands of resources available online and in communities for those struggling to stay on their feet.
Whether it’s an N95 mask for class, free textbooks, or an online therapist, take advantage of the resources you need to succeed in school.
Author Bio
Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Grove Stephenville to help them with their online marketing.
Image Credit: resources college students need during the pandemic by twenty20.com
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