Going Back to Uni After COVID: What to Expect

Just when you were getting used to Zoom classes in your sweatpants, many unis are ready to resume in-person classes. For all of us who have forgotten what a mostly non-virtual world looks like, here are some changes you are likely to see.

Get used to seeing your professors and mates in masks

Depending on the uni, you may be required to wear a mask in lectures. This might make back-to-school shopping look a little different this year. Get used to matching your wardrobe to your masks!

...and lectures might look a little different

While some lectures will resume in person, you still may have some online. It depends on all the courses you are taking. Although nightclubs and restaurants are opening back up in the U.K., each university is choosing whether they have face-to-face lessons at their own discretion. Check with your uni to see if most of your courses are in-person or still virtual.

Expect tests - and not just exams 

Depending on your uni, COVID-19 tests may become part of your new normal. If you plan to study abroad in another country, you will definitely need to take a COVID-19 test before you leave, unless you have received both jabs of the COVID-19 vaccine. COVID-19 tests may also be required to participate in gatherings or events at your uni. Temperature checks may also become the norm.

You’ll be able to make new mates in real life!

If your uni has in-person lectures, you’ll be able to see the other people in your courses face-to-face and not just over a screen! 

...but socializing again might be awkward.

After more than a year of social distancing, going back to taking courses in person and meeting new people might be hard to adjust to. Just remember that everyone is doing their best to re-adapt to “real life” after the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are all doing our best! Don’t be afraid to call out your own awkward behaviors if you catch yourself doing something “weird” you may not have done pre-pandemic. We’re all in this together!

Social distancing measures may still be in place 

Your uni likely won’t look the exact same as it did before. There will likely still be some new distancing measures in place. Your desks may be spaced apart from those of your mates, and there may be fewer students in your lectures.

Cleanliness is still a priority

Now that you’ll be attending some lectures in person, it’s extremely important that you continue to wash your hands, carry hand sanitizer, and generally maintain good hygiene. When booking student accommodation, you should also make sure that your new accommodation has been cleaned before you arrive. Look up the cleaning policy of the building as well. If you don’t see anything listed online, don’t be shy - give the building a call! Cleanliness should be a priority during this time. 

You may be spending more time in your flat then you’re used to

Although bars and nightclubs are opening up again, you may find yourself spending more time in your flat than you have in previous years. Make sure you have a flat you enjoy with flatmates you can stand - you may be seeing them a lot!

When booking student accommodation, flexibility is key!

The pandemic is still far from over. It is important to keep this in mind when selecting a student accommodation. Choose flexible cancellation policies just in case anything should happen, and make sure you check all the terms and conditions of your tenancy contract! Some student accommodations are also offering free early check-in during these difficult times, so make sure you read the fine print of the student accommodation you are considering to see if this is offered. 

You can use Dorms.com to help you find the best student accommodation for uni! Simply type in your city on the search bar on the first page. Next, enter the dates you’ll be needing housing. You can then use the buttons at the top of the page to filter all the uni accommodation by price, best for nightlife, best for sightseeing, safest, and many other categories.

Find student accommodation for uni!