The Burnout That Comes From Going To School During COVID-19
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

Going To College During COVID-19 Has Caused Some INTENSE Burnout, And It's Not Just Me

Graduation doesn't even feel like the light at the end of the tunnel anymore.

23049
Going To College During COVID-19 Has Caused Some INTENSE Burnout, And It's Not Just Me

When my college announced that we would be having the fall 2020 semester on-campus, I was pretty excited. After six months of living at home with my parents with nothing to do, my study abroad trip in May canceled, and my 21st birthday plans down the drain, going back to campus meant that I would regain some of my individuality and see my friends again. But since we've returned, it has not been as fun as I had hoped my senior year of college would be.

Whether a senior in high school or a senior in college, that last year is something to look forward to. It comes with perks and celebrations. However, those happy times seem to be stamped out by the pandemic. The only friends I have hung out with live off-campus since living in an on-campus dorm means I am not allowed to have visitors. Social events are canceled. Three out of six of my classes are completely online, leaving me to teach myself, and go to my other three classes wearing a mask and not meeting any new people — we have to keep our distance.

Our breaks were taken away from us. Professors seem to not understand that no one really thrives in an online learning environment, and they tack on tedious assignment after assignment as if we all don't have four or five other classes (and professors) who are doing the same exact thing. The lack of breaks means we are working extremely hard throughout the semester without the much-needed reprieve. What they don't seem to understand is that when we are constantly working without rest, we become stressed.

Mental health issues are rising, and there is no sign of a decline any time soon.

Depression and anxiety work together to stress us out and make us tired. We eat less and sleep less. Our immune systems start to shut down. We start to get sick. This is why every year, we get the "finals flu." But this year, the finals flu will probably be COVID-19.

It isn't so much the breaks being taken away from us that is what is making this school year so awful. It's all of the things I had planned to do this year that were ripped away from me. There is an intense dread I have that I will not have the graduation ceremony I worked so hard to get to. It will not be worth it if my name is called and a picture of me shows up on a screen, or worse, my parents who supported me emotionally and financially through college will not be able to watch me cross the stage in person.

So with nothing to look forward to and professors piling on work without any consideration for their students, it's no wonder that some of us are just in a perpetual state of exhaustion. Most of my friends who I talk to all answer the same way, "This semester is crazy," "I don't even know what day it is," "I feel like I'm not learning," "I just go from due date to due date."

By the beginning of next semester, when colleges expect us all to return from winter break rested and ready, it will be interesting to see their reactions when half of us are just as miserable as we now.


Report this Content
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

41916
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

26340
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

951547
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

136165
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments