5 Ways to Pick the Right University During Lockdown
A visit to the campus should narrow down your choices of the university you want to attend. A lockdown prevents you from doing it, though. No need to worry, as you have months to plan your virtual tour (and execute it). It should make you decide on one or two universities, where you can set foot on it later this year and then make your big decision. January 2021 is the latest.
The best thing about the lockdown is it should prompt you to become more diligent in campus shopping. Many college applicants take this for granted, as they check out the clubs and societies during the campus visit. There's nothing wrong about it, as everyone wants to have new friends during the first month of the term. Spending lots of money for a new set of friends is a ridiculous idea, though. (And your old buddies might resent it.) Second, not all universities can guarantee what you want. For instance, you want to pursue a degree in literature. Studying the classics is a given, but you want to read (and study) other genres (or authors). Modern literature is what you have in mind. You may be unable to save money for backpacking in Europe (or Southeast Asia), but you can read (and study) novels by authors from different parts of the world. (You must do a series of inquiries on East Asian literature after reading Lillian Lee's "Farewell My Concubine", which scathingly indicted the revolution and its effect on the arts and culture in China.) In this regard, the lockdown should give you the opportunity to explore this option. Third, the longer period allows you to change your mind. The money would be a crucial factor. You can't argue with your parents about it, as gloomy sky looms on the horizon. Last but not the least, you can use Zoom, UniBuddy, and FaceTime to the hilt. It's about adapting to an unfamiliar environment and excelling in it. (You must take a cue from the producers of "American Idol".) What's next for you? Think. And don"t think long and hard about it.
Here's to Plain Speaking and Clear Understanding: Taking Part in Open Day Online
Take a virtual tour of the city. What is the moral lesson of "Sophie's World"? Imagination will save you lots of money. Sophie, the titular character, didn't have to travel to Athens after a mysterious (letter) sender helped her imagine the Acropolis during the reign of Pericles. Taking a selfie in front of (what remained of) Parthenon won't be a good substitute, which should be similar to an actual tour of a city. It's supposed to give you an idea of the places of interest and the proximity of certain establishments to the university, but it's not really that important. You can get all the information from the Internet, and then decide if you won't get bouts of homesickness after frequent visits to those places. Think about it next month, if not the month after next, as you will make your final selection on January 2021. When you narrow your choices, plan your actual visit. How?
Talk to the (current) students. You need an unfiltered opinion on your university of preference, but you can't find the local equivalent of The Student Room. You can look at the alumni (and get in touch with former students). You may be tempted to ask for recommendations, from bars to (affordable) restaurants, but save it for last. Your first three questions must be linked to the coursework. You must envision your studying from home in spite of Pfizer racing against time (and making that Covid-19 vaccine available before the end of the year). You're still in square one, and so do everyone else, so you can modify your plans a few months from now. This set-up will test your resilience, so see to it if exercising (and probably meditation) should be enough. Indulging in TV series and video games might be risky, so figure it out during the summer season.
Comparing (and contrasting) accommodation and facilities. You're supposed to use your own room as your reference when looking for accommodation and facilities, but you would be disappointed because nothing compares to your room. Moreover, you will share a room, if not a kitchen (and restroom) with other students. You may not be able to know them during your tenure in your university of choice, so ask older (or former) students for the best place(s) to stay. Don't forget the contact details as well. Talk to the person-in-charge in a polite manner, assuring that person that you would make an actual visit after you choose the university near that accommodation. The university's website - and social media accounts - should help you decide after a month or two of deliberation.
How to choose your field of study. The university's website - and social media accounts - should give you sufficient information on what course to specialize in. There are three things to consider: the course must really interest you, as well as align with your beliefs and values; the university is more open to contemporary subjects, which should spice up the coursework; and you must have an idea of who will teach certain courses. An actual visit could have made it easier, but this is not something to be rushed. You must be grateful for having time on your side.
Don't panic while doing the above. You won't get immediate answers, if not the information you sought, after your first chat (or call). It's fine, as this must be done deliberately (or gradually if you like it that way). You should make notes, which accumulate over the short course of time. Look over it during the summer, as you would plan your (actual) visit during the end of that season. You must factor the uncertainty of the situation into it, so don't do all of it (or most of it) during the fall. The election may (or may not) complicate the matter. You might forget one or two names that you must chat with.
Knuckling Down in Lockdown: How to Stay Optimistic
No one would suggest Adventure fiction, where luck favors those who can't get enough of adventure. Navigating the sea of black scribble might be too much, so persist and resist (the gloomy thoughts). Your family may be in the living room, if not their respective rooms if you need to talk. You may need assurance, if not a giggle. Good luck!
