The COVID-19 virus postponed everybody's plans, not excluding college students. However we look at it, COVID-19 impacted every aspect of life. All of these changes came suddenly and thrust students into a world of confusion and isolation. The collaborative atmosphere essential for an ideal learning environment disappeared overnight, replaced by the uncharted waters of remote education.
Let’s look at some of the ways it impacted the student experience in higher education.
New Students
After waiting 18 years to become undergraduates, students looked forward to their first classes, more independence, and making new friends. However, college admissions were hit hard by COVID.
The experience of applying to schools and waiting for acceptance letters may have been stressful, but the process was part of becoming a college student. COVID made it impossible to enjoy the fun parts of the admission process, such as visiting campuses for information sessions and in-person tours.
Applicants were forced to choose a college without stepping foot on campus grounds due to the pandemic restrictions. There are constant changes applicants must be aware of, whether it's pushing back application deadlines or changes in how applicants are evaluated, or SAT changes.
Current Students
Schools struggled to find a suitable way to teach students in the face of chaos, uncertainty, and ever-evolving new restrictions.
In-person classes became Zoom meetings. Students had to adapt to taking their classes from home, often sharing limited space and bandwidth with their roommates or families. Where in-person classes were still a thing, students had to sit 6 feet apart to reduce contact.
For seniors, the pandemic caused panic about life after school, uncertainty over whether remote education had adequately equipped them for careers or internships. With this came real fears that they may have to place their dreams on hold, settling for jobs they may not want.
The Slow Return to Normal
The pandemic came with numerous challenges. Now students face a new challenge – readjusting to being around crowds of people while adhering to COVID restrictions and finding a rhythm between balancing their schoolwork and social lives.
With restrictions lifted, returning to campus has its ups and downs. Students have to adapt to life on campus once more after spending so long cooped up at home. Schools are coming up with ways to slowly introduce students back to campus but still keep everyone safe. Some colleges administer their classes remotely or set up a hybrid of remote and in-person classes.
We have to give credit to students who have dealt with so much uncertainty in their education. It hasn't been easy, but they still have hope.