For years, university has come with two expectations for incoming students: education and socialising. Now, due to the threat of COVID-19, half of the experience has been all but wiped out.
The novel coronavirus has turned countless plans upside down. Those who expected face-to-face lectures, clubbing and access to social events such as the Freshers Fayre must accept that it’s an unlikely reality.
If they do take place, first-year events are set to be held virtually, and meeting your flatmates online may be the new norm, making many students nervous about how their university experience will be affected.
One incoming first-year, Lucy Williams, said she’s most nervous about the idea of lectures moving online, since it could be a culture shock to have to learn through a video call.
“I’m also nervous about how it will affect my freshers experience, as I know it is usually a huge part of your first year, what with making friends and getting to know everyone in general,” she said.
The ongoing pandemic has caused many incoming students to feel more worried about building friendships, with limited opportunities to meet new people due to the potential ‘social bubble’ system.
And, while this is crucial for safety reasons, it leaves soon-to-be students anxious about being restricted from forming new connections at university.
Another significant change is in the mindset of incoming first-years, who are beginning to question their subject choices.
Those hoping to study more artistic degrees, such as Creative Writing, are left wondering about the stability of their job prospects upon graduating, as the recent economic collapse has stunted employment in various fields.
One incoming Creative Writing student, Corrine Porter, said the pandemic hasn’t put her off studying, but it has raised some concerns about whether her degree holds enough impact.
“At worst,” she said, “if the pandemic is still here three years later […] I want the security of a job.”
The unpredictability of a post-pandemic job market means that some degrees are likely to be in much higher demand than others.
To address the uneasiness, the University of Lincoln has sent a letter out to first year students, detailing plans of online freshers events and outdoor ‘common rooms’ to give first-years a chance to meet others face-to-face whilst still following social distancing guidelines.
The Linc approached the university for a comment.