I never thought it would be a struggle transitioning to online classes. Here we are three weeks into the semester and I find it challenging to attend online lecture since there is the option to take the class asynchronously. On top of that, staying connected with friends is harder than it seems since all club/extracurricular activities are all online.
My first tip to stay mentally prepared is by getting dressed in regular clothes every time that I have class. Rather than staying in pajamas and gym shorts, the little habits keep you grounded and in the working mindset to complete class/ class work. I also have found it challenging to try and listen to the lectures asynchronously so make it my mission to attend every lecture in person; yes even the 8:00am ones.
Second, I would say that you need to make sure that you are going to be able to keep your involvements. Since all activities are over Zoom, it has become challenging to stay connected while making friends. Send that private message in lecture to introduce yourself. I can almost guarantee that others are in the same exact position and are nervous to reach out. Odds are if you are the first to reach out, it will turn out well.
Lastly, I recommend staying connected with your friends at all cost. Since we are no longer able to grab lunch or have side conversations with friends during lectures, it is extremely important to stay connected so that there are still joys in life. Hopefully you found these tips and tricks helpful and I would love to hear what keeps you prepared for classes because I know it’s not an easy adjustment!
