A College Student in the Time of COVID-19
Start writing a post
Student Life

A College Student in the Time of COVID-19

College Students are getting hit hard during this Pandemic; here's how.

24
A College Student in the Time of COVID-19

This Pandemic is hitting everyone very hard. Our lives have changed drastically in ways we never could've expected, in some positive ways, but with a positive there is always a negative. Here are 6 of the biggest impacts the pandemic is having on college students around the country.

We were left out of the Stimulus Package

Not all college students, but many who are claimed by their parents as dependents were overlooked when the first stimulus package came out (I say first because there may eventually be another). Of course this drew controversy because many people argued "well they are dependent so their parents provide for them," that is not always true. Many college students who recieve financial aid are claimed as dependents because that is what FAFSA recommends, first generation students like myself, didn't know about other options (to get out of being claimed as a dependent) until it was too late.

Many of us can't get out of our leases

Before you say it, yes, we knew we signed a lease and were responsible for rent. However, many apartment complexes around Bellingham, WA are refusing to even lower rent. Many of us moved back home to be with family but are still paying rent at our apartments. One way to get out of rent is to find someone to take over, but in college towns like Bellingham, the majority of students left town due to classes being online.

Online classes...Ugh

Some students have had a great time with online classes this quarter/semester. Others, have had to struggle with larger class loads due to professors assuming the "Stay Home, Stay Healthy" order is allowing for students to have more time to do school work unfortunately, this is not always the case and this has added stress for students. This mode of teaching/learning has also prevented many from learning effectively from classes they are paying so much money for.

Degrees and graduations

There is so much uncertainty for students for graduation and finishing their programs. Many universities are planning on virtual ceremonies, but for first generation students, and immigrants, this is still very disappointing. This situation is kind of a lose-lose because virtual isn't the same experience, but on the other hand, post-poning a graduation would leave many out because for most graduates it will not be feasible to return to their college town after having moved away post-graduation.

Friends

College life can be lonely enough as it is, and usually our friends can be a great support system to get us through college because they are also likely going through, or have gone through the same struggles. With the lockdowns, we lose our ability to hangout with each other to pass time, or to study together.

Dorms

So many students were uprooted with less than 48 hour notice that they needed to lecae the dorms ASAP. Of course many students have been allowed to return to the dorms but when this all began that was a very quick decision that needed to be made on the drop of a dime. Most universities had no problem refunding students for their housing, but for some colleges that was unfortunately not the case.

This is not a competition of who has it worse right now. We are all struggling in our own ways, but knowing each others struggles can help us understand each other and be more sympathetic to one another so we can all co-exist in this Pandemic.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

58615
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?

37790
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.

959359
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.

194382
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