If you have had your studies interrupted, it can seem daunting.
Start by getting information from the place that matters…. your university.
Some people have work to continue with. Please keep doing this if you have been told to by your university. Your university will tell you about changes. Although it seems messy, it’s not your problem to solve. The university is responsible for delivering its service. I’m sure you are fed up with being told what to do. I’m offering you some suggestions that you might like – you don’t have to do them! You decide!
- Read your university emails – the university will tell you when they know what is happening.
- If you have Blackboard or an online system, check in regularly. Notices may be posted.
- If you are worried or unsure, you could contact your school office or your tutors.
- I cannot tell you how often you should check your emails, or Blackboard, or when to contact the school, but maybe don’t let anxiety get the better of you. Decide what you think is the right number of times: Ask your family, friends your tutors, or other students you can trust.
- Finally, when something seems to be in a jumble it can be horrible for some of us. One thing to be clear about. This is happening to all the universities in this country. All students are affected by this. That means that the problem you are having is the same as someone else. It can only be solved by the university deciding how to assess the module you are taking. Leave it to them. Let go of that problem and wait to see what the answer is. That’s one question you don’t have to revise!
Some people might have presentations or exams cancelled, delayed or changed.
This can feel very threatening for those of us who have been following a revision schedule or have been building ourselves up for May. It’s especially worrying if these will be your final exams.
Here are some suggestions that might help.
Approach this like you would the exam itself!
The challenge you have is disruption. So how will you deal with it?
Preparation – Don’t let that revision you’ve done go to waste. Your exam is only a marker to show you’ve gained knowledge and an ability to apply it. The real reason for learning is the other side of the exam, the other side of that piece of paper. It’s the application of that knowledge in the real world. Keep hold of it. Check out any notes you’ve been making, have a look at the slides from lectures. If you have books, be sure to glance at them occasionally – they aren’t just to give you something to dust.
Pacing – in an exam, you pick your questions wisely and pace yourself to answer them. The same applies here. Ease back on the revision sessions, it’s going to be a while before you get to show them what you have if you’ve been told you will sit an exam eventually.
Next, manage your disappointment – like that question you want but don’t get in the exam. It feels frustrating and you may get angry, anxious or upset. Use your coping strategies to manage this.
Finally, adapt and survive – most exams ask you a question that makes you wonder if it belongs to the other fella’s course! If they change your exam to an essay, an open book exam, a recorded presentation or so on. Adapt. Drop the old idea and be strong. What do you need in order to meet the new challenge? You can do it!
Remember: if this situation disrupts your work, if it affects your academic performance or your wellbeing or health, put in a mitigating circumstances form. Your university will help you do this. If you are one of my clients, I will help you.
Please try not to be cross with the university if their advice changes! This is not their fault, what is happening is beyond their control. In part, they must follow rules themselves.
Here’s a link to some of the information they have if you are really interested:
https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/policy-and-analysis/Pages/coronavirus.aspx
Just remember though, do follow the advice on social distancing and managing your health. Look after yourself.