How to have fun as a student in isolation at university

If you have started university this year, or are a returning student, it will be a significantly different experience to what you may have originally expected.

When you first decided to go to university, you might have imagined nights out and lots of socialising; however, due to COVID-19, those plans are, unfortunately, limited right now and in the near future.

However, there are still plenty of things you can do as a student in isolation at university to keep yourself and your housemates entertained.

Keep reading to discover why students might have to isolate and for some ideas on how to make your student lockdown more bearable!

Why do students have to isolate?

At the time of writing, around 40 universities across the UK have reported cases of the coronavirus.

For this reason, many students have found themselves self-isolating in their student house shares and Leeds student accommodation for a fortnight.

Many students don’t have symptoms, and, of those that do, they are often mild. So, while it’s crucial that you self-isolate when you’re required to, it’s likely that’s you’ll be sat around feeling okay but bored.

Alongside this quarantine, a lot of university teaching has moved online. Lessons are being delivered remotely, which means students are staying in their houses and accommodation more or less all the time.

Isolation activities for students

In this unprecedented time, here are some ways you can have fun as a student in isolation if you feel well.

Catch up on your favourite tv shows

There is no better time to catch up on your favourite TV shows and series!

Now we’re in Autumn, the temperature is dropping and so are the new Netflix series, so get yourself cosy in bed and spend some time watching your favourite shows.

Alternatively, get your housemates on board, and watch together while sat apart.

Test out new recipes

Order some food shopping and challenge yourself to cook some new recipes.

You may be thinking, “I can’t afford to spend a lot of money on food!” Don’t worry – there are plenty of meals you can cook without breaking the bank.

Clean up your student accommodation

Often, a student house share can get pretty messy! So, isolation is the perfect time to do a deep clean of your flat or house.

Cleaning can improve the atmosphere and is also a way for everyone to take part in an activity.

Because you will all be spending 100% of your time in the accommodation during quarantine, you must keep the environment clean — not only to avoid any virus spread but also to respect your housemates’ space.

Read some books

As you’re going to have a lot of time on your hands, try putting your phone down and reading some books.

Whether you choose to crack on with your university reading list or want to get on with some personal reading, it is the perfect time to do it.

You could even host a household book club to get everyone involved!

Keep your brain active with puzzles and games

If you’re bored and want to challenge yourself, have a go at some puzzles.

Whether you choose a sudoku, word search, crossword or riddles, your brain will thank you for the activity, and you can get all your housemates involved too!

More of a board game person? Crack open a game you can play in a socially distanced manner and enjoy!

Do a workout

As you are confined to your student accommodation, it’s more important than ever to stay healthy!

So, whether you do it on your own or with your housemates, start a new workout routine.

You can create a workout yourself based on your favourite exercises, or try a home workout on YouTube.

Keep in touch with your friends

Alongside those you live with, make sure to keep in touch with your friends and family as much as you can.

By keeping connection levels up, you will feel less lonely and be able to keep people in the loop at the same time.

If you haven’t spoken to a group of friends for a while, try to organise a Zoom quiz or a fun remote activity you can all take part in.

Get creative for Halloween

With Halloween coming up, why not try to celebrate creatively?

You could have a go at creating your own costume, carving pumpkins, and decorating your student accommodation with handmade decorations!

You can’t go out to the shops during isolation but you can order craft supplies online to help you this spooky season.

This will take up some free time and is an excellent way for you and your housemates to have fun together.

Don’t forget about your work

Don’t shoot the messenger but studying must still go on during isolation!

Although circumstances are different and a lot of things have moved online, you still need to ensure you are organised and getting as much as you can from your lectures.

Make sure to have an organised routine, scheduled study times and a good setup for your studying area.

It can be tempting to attend online lectures from your bed or sofa, but you’ll get much more from it if you sit at a desk or table.

Keep on top of your health

Alongside COVID-19, we are entering cold and flu season, so it is crucial to keep on top of your health requirements.

If you start to feel ill, check whether you have the coronavirus symptoms and if so, follow the government isolation advice.

If you have a cold and are in isolation, make sure you order from a pharmacy or reliable supermarket retailer to stock up on paracetamol, lozenges, and tissues!

Now more than ever, your health is extremely important — both your physical and mental health.

If your mental health is suffering due to the stress of university and COVID-19, make sure to research what support systems your university has available, or there is a list of support services here.

Try to make the best from a bad situation

Although this situation is extremely tough and not what anyone expected from 2020, try to make the best of it.

Spend valuable time doing things you wouldn’t usually have time to do, try some new hobbies, and socialise as much as you can with your housemates to create a solid support system.