By Ellen Welford
Although a term in lockdown is far from what anyone would consider ideal, it was enjoyable regardless. Having bars and pubs shut definitely put a stopper on meeting new people or socialising with those outside of your household, but despite this, we made the most of a bad situation. Being in a household of nine meant that we were able to attempt to bring in some feelings of normality, from having a household Halloween party, to taking it in turns to cook a Sunday roast each week. Living in a house has meant that we have access to a wonderful kitchen, so don’t need to eat food in hall/canteen. I have really enjoyed being able to take more time to cook for myself – some of the meals may have been somewhat experimental in nature, but a good learning curve nevertheless!
There are also many benefits to having online lectures – I don’t have to make the trek to lecture theatres each day, and the recording can be paused and rewound as much as needed. I do miss the social aspect of lectures, especially as my subject group would often all go to grab a coffee in the middle of the lecture, and then stay on for lunch afterwards. I am taking two papers this term, and for one I have tutorials in person, and for the other, tutorials are held over zoom. This is completely down to the tutor’s preferences, and those of the students as well. The libraries have stayed open throughout the lockdown, and this is a great option to not only get work done, but also to make sure I’m leaving the house!
Grabbing a coffee before heading out for a walk in one of the uni parks has become the new norm for socialising – and I don’t hate it. Don’t get me wrong, I miss going out in the evening and meeting new people every week, but something about going for a walk is so much more personal than a crowded bar.
I have had great fun this term, mostly due to the people I’m lucky enough to share a house with. We have cooked a stunning Christmas dinner, held a mini bonfire night, religiously watched bake off, and had a classy poker evening. Despite restaurants, bars and non-essential stores being closed, the household have really come together to make sure that every week there is something new to look forward to, and it is this that I am most grateful for.