Are You Ready to Start Your Degree From Your Bedroom?

You're crushed about the possibility of missing Freshers' Week, which is a prom of a sort. You won't look for a club/society, where you can meet other students. It's a ritual that older (college) students, and former students, relish. It's the highlight of the series of events leading to the opening of the term. The coronavirus changed everything, as many universities are turning to online teaching. You're about to be one of the first group of college students to start theor degree from your bedroom. Will you meet the challenge? Are you thinking of other options?

You're distracted from what you see in your (bedroom) mirror. You haven't cut your hair. You won't mind sporting a longer hair, if not thinking of a new style. (Braid would be one of your options, but not necessarily the first.) You missed your stylist/barber. You also began to appreciate the people who are working in the grocery. It prompted you to dash to the kitchen until you remember that your mother went there the other day. (And it took her a few hours before she bought all the essentials.) Your sister, a healthcare worker, told you about a patient who found a new pen friend. They could have been grandmother and granddaughter, but no one minded the age gap. The pandemic brought out the compassion and other good traits that most would take for granted. It would happen any normal day, but America is heading towards an uncertain period. You don't want to think if it's too early to reschedule the release of "Wonder Woman 1984". Warner Bros. can reschedule it again. (Disney postponed the release of "Black Widow". Social distancing may be observed during the fall, so it can be moved to next year.) You can think about these things later, as you must assess your home.

Can you compose your assignments in your bedroom? If you're having problems motivating yourself (to do it), then go to the living room. Can you do it on the couch? You can't promise that you won't turn on the TV (and watch for an hour or two). You inspect the kitchen and wonder if you can resist the temptation. You may be able to watch your diet while you're in the dormitory, but you're too proud to call your parents (and ask for an increase in your allowance). There's a greater chance that you won't stick to your usual routine, as the familiarity (and comforts) of your home would present lots of distraction. (If you're too lazy to clean your room, you might be open to a new hobby or two. If you still haven't manage your time, you would encounter problems very soon.) If you can't all the questions in the affirmative, then you must think about your other options.

You heard the sentiment of some incoming freshmen, of wanting to defer their entry this fall. Some universities are planning to teach online during the first term and then face-to-face lectures during the second term. These students want to experience what others have done before. On the other hand, they are unable to be open-minded. Your parents have taught you to deal with the cards that have been given to you, but you're in a fence on this one. Generation gap? Perhaps. It's a good thing that you're not too excited about your first term, as it would allow you to explore your other options. You must be able to make a firm decision next month.

6 Options That Would Make You Defer Your Entry

Part-time jobs. You have read the comments of some incoming freshmen, who went on a month-long holiday last summer. The experiences were supposed to give them a head start, but the coronavirus was a game-changer. You're thinking of looking for a part-time job, as you look forward to your entry this January. If you're thinking of food delivery, then you would put yourself at risk. Working in a grocery might not be a good idea as well. (Not all customers would follow the basic precautions.) It leaves dog sitting and online jobs. The former could be a good option, but there's a study that cats can be infected with the coronavirus. They can transmit it, and there's a probability that you might encounter one. (Knock on wood.) Online jobs can improve your communication skills, so do a thorough research.

You can start your degree during the middle of winter, so you can get a feel of online learning. You're not too enthusiastic about this new set up, so you need time. You might complain about the lack of socializing, which face-to-face lectures offer, but online learning can be social if you have a plan. You can get in touch with the members of the faculty during this time, if not ask your tutor about it. The unusual situation would prompt you to prepare early, so don't wait for the summer. Don't ever think of a miracle. (A vaccine will be available next year.) You can also reach out to your coursemates and talk about this plan. You might find a new friend afterward. The next option is related to this one.

You're thinking of deferring your entry because you might get too lonely in your bedroom. You may not have heard some students who get overwhelmed, if not feel like an outcast, in a lecture room of three hundred students or less. It doesn't make online learning different from what they have experienced. Perhaps you must read "Robinson Crusoe" or watch "Cast Away".

You're deferring your entry because you're unable to study independently. It's a lame excuse, as you have forgotten about your parents' advice. You were able to write your application essay without any assistance from your family, high school teachers, and friends. It should make you confident of how you can manage the coursework during the first term, even if you're about to sail on unchartered water. (The lockdown is a first.) You must have a copy of a syllabus, where a reading list and essay topics can be found. Study it. Research it. Make a note or two.

Your degree requires practica subjects. If you're about to study arts, if not pursue a dual degree that includes the arts, there's a high chance that you will study drama during the first term. It's a practical subject, so online learning won't be a good substitute. Your department should have sent you a new set of guidelines. If you haven't received it, if not your department is still deciding on it, then email your tutor. Assumptions won't do you good.

You're unprepared for this unusual experience. Who isn't? You might need more assurance. Talk to your parents.

A Quiet Place

When you have thought about the above and decided that you're ready for the first term, then the next step is to find a quiet spot in your home. It must be your room, but you're thinking about other places (in your home). Observe the daily routine of your parents (and sibling). Check the broadband as well. Social distancing must be observed.