University of St Andrews
St Andrews 2020 fresher
I’m writing this post for some advice. I have just started at the University of St Andrews and I’m not enjoying it as much as I hoped due to if not most things going online, so therefore I’m finding hard to meet people and make friends. According to covid rules you can only socialise this your bubble, so if you don’t have a very good one this could be an issue. Also, everywhere you go you have to do track and trace and wear a mask. In halls only two allowed per table being 2 metres apart with less people allowed in halls at once. In normal circumstances I would be having fun going to in-person freshers events, but not this year. Also, all lectures and seminars are apparently online till about week 7 or something. I love the uni and the traditions but I’m don’t get to enjoy the social side of uni at all. What advice would you give me?
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Well every Fresher in the whole of the UK (maybe the entire world actually) is in the exact same position. Some are even more restricted in fact. So there's really nothing that you can do other than make the most of the social events that you DO have access to and also take advantage of any online Fresher's events. Why not even set up your own virtual meet up for Freshers at St Andrew's who might be feeling like yourself? You could tailor it towards an interest eg subject-specific OR you could just make it a more general event.
There's nothing you can do about the current situation, so no point in getting sad or upset about things that are outwith your control. Instead, take control and be a leader 😊 ......and hopefully after Christmas restrictions will ease and more social interactions will be allowed.
There's nothing you can do about the current situation, so no point in getting sad or upset about things that are outwith your control. Instead, take control and be a leader 😊 ......and hopefully after Christmas restrictions will ease and more social interactions will be allowed.
University of St Andrews
I'm fairly sure you can socialise outside your bubble as long as you are following the distancing guidelines (and if necessary, wearing a face mask).
Original post by Lightning720
I'm fairly sure you can socialise outside your bubble as long as you are following the distancing guidelines (and if necessary, wearing a face mask).
Original post by Anonymous_4657
I’m only allowed to socialise according to designated COVID saints with my bubble and I don’t get on with them really. What am I supposed to do?
I go to St Andrews and we can definitely meet with those outside our household.
Original post by Anonymous
I’m writing this post for some advice. I have just started at the University of St Andrews and I’m not enjoying it as much as I hoped due to if not most things going online, so therefore I’m finding hard to meet people and make friends. According to covid rules you can only socialise this your bubble, so if you don’t have a very good one this could be an issue. Also, everywhere you go you have to do track and trace and wear a mask. In halls only two allowed per table being 2 metres apart with less people allowed in halls at once. In normal circumstances I would be having fun going to in-person freshers events, but not this year. Also, all lectures and seminars are apparently online till about week 7 or something. I love the uni and the traditions but I’m don’t get to enjoy the social side of uni at all. What advice would you give me?
tbh you knew Semester 1 of Year 1 was going to be a write off when you started... you just need to focus on your studies and sit it out
If you are feeling down, contact student support, they will have ideas for you, may be able to point you to the places where you will fit in. You should not just stay in your room getting sadder. For those struggling, are there any clubs/societies for the things you enjoy? You can contact the club and get on their mailing list and hopefully fund people with common interests. Have you met your tutor group on-line? Can you message the tutor group asking if anyone would like to meet for a socially distant coffee or walk.
It is really hard this year, but there will be lots of people out there who are too shy to talk to people but will respond if you reach out.
It is really hard this year, but there will be lots of people out there who are too shy to talk to people but will respond if you reach out.
If it is any consolation, I feel exactly the same. I have been confined to my room for most of the week, leaving for meals only. On the two occasions, I did go out with three others, we were questioned by the police and asked what we were doing and where were we going! Even although I wasn’t doing anything I shouldn’t be, I just felt so bad. Next week will be worse because only six people from a maximum of six households can meet up. I have only met people on my corridor once because the kitchen is out of action (because some people are quarantining, apparently) so in reality next week I will only be able to get together with one other person from another household. I know this is mainly caused by COVID but it is really disappointing and the thought of being in effective lockdown for a prolonged period is pretty depressing.
Original post by TCL
If you are feeling down, contact student support, they will have ideas for you, may be able to point you to the places where you will fit in. You should not just stay in your room getting sadder. For those struggling, are there any clubs/societies for the things you enjoy? You can contact the club and get on their mailing list and hopefully fund people with common interests. Have you met your tutor group on-line? Can you message the tutor group asking if anyone would like to meet for a socially distant coffee or walk.
It is really hard this year, but there will be lots of people out there who are too shy to talk to people but will respond if you reach out.
It is really hard this year, but there will be lots of people out there who are too shy to talk to people but will respond if you reach out.
I'm thinking of maybe deferring till next year. I'm just not enjoying my time so far. It not the uni I don't like, it's just covid is not helping me make any friends. I cannot really meet anyone in other halls, and also when I arrived they messed up my room. I'm now on the ground floor next to just girls when I'd want to be near boys or both. When I arrived two of the Americans were still quarantining and also I've never actually seen my next door neighbour leave her room. Not great. At meals I try to socialise with others but you have to sit distanced and only two allowed per table.
Original post by Anonymous
I'm thinking of maybe deferring till next year. I'm just not enjoying my time so far. It not the uni I don't like, it's just covid is not helping me make any friends. I cannot really meet anyone in other halls, and also when I arrived they messed up my room. I'm now on the ground floor next to just girls when I'd want to be near boys or both. When I arrived two of the Americans were still quarantining and also I've never actually seen my next door neighbour leave her room. Not great. At meals I try to socialise with others but you have to sit distanced and only two allowed per table.
Also to add all the events so far have all been online within bubbles. Since I don't get on with my bubble I don't do them. Also, I tired to sign up to sports but they have limited spaces so I've missed out.
Original post by A Rolling Stone
tbh you knew Semester 1 of Year 1 was going to be a write off when you started... you just need to focus on your studies and sit it out
I don't enjoy the online events. Do all things online basically means I'm in my room most of the time. Also, how am I supposed to meet people via my computer screen in my room. It's just not the same experience.
Original post by Anonymous
I don't enjoy the online events. Do all things online basically means I'm in my room most of the time. Also, how am I supposed to meet people via my computer screen in my room. It's just not the same experience.
It's not the same experience but you have very little choice at the moment. You can still arrange to meet people in real life but this will likely have to be organised online.
Original post by Lightning720
It's not the same experience but you have very little choice at the moment. You can still arrange to meet people in real life but this will likely have to be organised online.
What are you doing with your time? I feel like I'm sorta in my room all the time. I do leave my room to go for walks by myself on West Sands. I went to the beach once but police came so not again.
Original post by Anonymous
What are you doing with your time? I feel like I'm sorta in my room all the time. I do leave my room to go for walks by myself on West Sands. I went to the beach once but police came so not again.
When the police can was at night when people were gathering on the beach.
Original post by Anonymous
What are you doing with your time? I feel like I'm sorta in my room all the time. I do leave my room to go for walks by myself on West Sands. I went to the beach once but police came so not again.
I am normally just either in my room or with my household. I have met some other people as well that my household had already met. I also go on some walks both on my own and with members of my household. I do think it helps that I like my household members.
You are allowed to go to the beach, just try to stay away from big crowds.
Original post by Lightning720
I am normally just either in my room or with my household. I have met some other people as well that my household had already met. I also go on some walks both on my own and with members of my household. I do think it helps that I like my household members.
You are allowed to go to the beach, just try to stay away from big crowds.
You are allowed to go to the beach, just try to stay away from big crowds.
I guess it doesn't help I don't get on with my household.I kind of want to branch out and meet other people and socialise with them but I cannot.
Original post by Anonymous
I guess it doesn't help I don't get on with my household.I kind of want to branch out and meet other people and socialise with them but I cannot.
You can though. You just have to do it online unless you are very lucky when bumping into people in the street.
It's hard trying to meet people online. Rather get to know them in person first instead of online.
Original post by Lightning720
You can though. You just have to do it online unless you are very lucky when bumping into people in the street.
^^
Original post by Anonymous
^^
I know you find it hard to meet people online but there is very little that can be done about it. Either step out of your comfort zone and try to meet people online, or risk meeting very few people.
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