By Elizabeth Fair
Being stuck in self-isolation for two weeks this term has felt inevitable. There has been a sort of expectation and anticipation that at some point you will get stuck in your room, at some point all your human contact will be online. Especially now, when mass testing is expected in a few weeks time, many students (myself included) may be anxious about how to survive this time alone. While the time may not be ideal, there are many things we can do to make it a better situation.
As with most things, preparation is key. Find a box, perhaps one that was leftover from moving in, and use it to collect items that would be useful if you cannot leave your room: long-like food and milk, the project or book you’ve been meaning to finish but not had chance to, and some treats which will perk you up in isolation.
Plan some activities which you could do while in isolation. Perhaps you really enjoy crafts, and you could do some painting or knitting – put these items in your box also. Perhaps you really enjoy sport, and need to investigate how you might be able to keep up your fitness in your room, so you could spend some time investigating how you might prepare for this (I know some college societies are running online circuits already, and there are dance classes online as well which may come in very useful!). One of my housemates decided to take up stair-running in our lockdown as his form of exercise!
Create a homely room space that you enjoy being in. Chances are that if you are isolating, you’re going to feel pretty low at some point. So finding and cultivating a space which you like to work in is key here, as well as a space where you can relax. For example, if you like the outdoors, buying a few houseplants might help you, decorating your pinboard can also help, as well as having general décor which suits you.
Work out support networks. Getting food, medication and social time can be difficult when locked down. Rules are sometimes not clear what you can and can’t do. Formulate a plan, or list of people, who you can rely on who may be able to do some shopping for you, or collect medication if needed. Sometimes your college may be happy to do this, but often college services are (unfortunately) overworked so it is good to be able to find another way. Also try working out who may be happy to chat via zoom or through a window, as self-isolation can get very lonely! Your college welfare team should also be able to support you with this sort of thing.
Remember: it’s okay to struggle with isolation, and to need some support. Looking out for your friends who are in isolation, and putting some preparations into place for if and when you go into isolation can make a huge difference though.