By Emily Burrell – Arts and Culture Sub Editor
Thank you to all interviewees for their participation and honesty. Interviews were conducted 31st March 2020.
What are you doing to keep yourself entertained during self isolation?
Interviewee A:
I am trying to do university work; I am also watching lots of TV and I’ve started colouring.
Interviewee B:
I am watching a lot of Netflix and Disney+ . I am also talking to my best friends a lot. They are all self isolating at our university house and I have had to come home due to ill health.
Interviewee C:
It really should be university work, I am doing some … Mainly, I am traumatizing myself by watching the entirety of Grey’s Anatomy in the shortest amount of time possible. How quickly can someone watch 16 series? I’m also exercising in the garden with my housemates. This has made me realise how unfit I am.
Interviewee D:
I am trying to do my dissertation. I am having difficulty though.
Interviewee E:
Like everyone one else I have stolen my flatmate’s Netflix login and I am slowly making my way through the entire archive. I have also begun to paint, which has only made me painfully aware that I have the artistic capabilities of a 7 year old. My painting has made it onto the fridge, so that is an achievement. I am also occupying my time with the mountain of washing up me and my friends keep producing because we all keep snacking out of boredom. I am convinced my house singlehandedly keep the jacket potato industry afloat.
How is self isolation effecting your well being?
Interviewee A:
During self isolation I am feeling down because I am unable to plan anything to look forward to in the near future.
Interviewee B:
It is affecting my wellbeing a lot. It is difficulty for me to exercise due to my disability. Walking was the easiest way for me to exercise. Now, I am unable to leave my home for 12 weeks, I can no longer do this. I was struggling with my mental health prior to the pandemic, however being away from my friends is very difficult. I feel out of the loop and I do not want to pester them. I hate being away from my friends. Also, it is very hard for me to express my feelings in a productive way that would make me feel content.
Interviewee C:
I still haven’t wrapped my head around the idea that isolation might last for a while. So far isolation has been okay because I am with my friends and keep in touch with my family regularly. Teaching my dad how to use House Party was an experience. I have felt very bored and unmotivated and I am unsettled by the uncertainty of these times. We are living through history, which is cool. I can’t wait to help my grandchildren with their GCSE History and their sources be an meme of Boris.
Interviewee D:
It is affecting my wellbeing a lot. I have realised how much I thrived being around other people. Therefore, I am really struggling, I feel as though I am inches away from a big breakdown.
Interviewee E:
I am very stressed, but I am trying to hide it. I am worried about my grades and the possibility that the graduation ceremony will not take place in July. I have made plans to be abroad in September. I have spent three years working hard and the thought of not being able to attend my graduation is quite frankly heart breaking. I want the cheesy stereotypical photos and for my parents to cheer embarrassingly loudly in the audience. I am also away from my family as my parents are key workers. I am worried for their wellbeing. It is very overwhelming.
How is self isolation impacting your university work?
Interviewee A:
I am still doing university work. However, I am aware that it is not up to my usual ability. I am unable to focus as my mind is elsewhere, so everything is taking longer than usual.
Interviewee B:
Uni work has got a lot harder. I struggled before classes ended and I would work alongside my tutors in order to achieve my best work. There is only so much that can be done over emails. It is also hard being organized and prioritizing lots of different work at once is overwhelming.
Interviewee C:
It has definitely had a negative effect. I am a lot more productive in the library and have struggled with not being able to meet my tutors in person. I am also graded on group work and this has proven nearly impossible to complete without face to face meetings.
Interviewee D:
I can’t concentrate on university work, with my family and dog at home there is a lot of constant noise. I need silence in order to complete my work – it requires me singing into a microphone. The noise also affects me when I am trying to write. It is very frustrating.
Interviewee E:
I have no motivation. I worked better in the library; that environment allows for me to be productive. However, as my daily coffee intake is increasing as is my word count. I’d say I’m on a solid one cup per 100 word ratio.
Do you feel supported by the university?
Interviewee A:
No. Although I appreciate their haste to respond and the unpredicted nature and severity of the situation, I am aware of other universities that have acted quicker and implemented better support for their students.
Interviewee B:
I feel semi-supported. My tutors are amazing, especially my personal tutor (she is the head of my course). She works tirelessly to make sure everyone understands everything. She is emailing everyone daily to just check in and make sure we’re all okay. She is truly brilliant. I do not feel supported by the university overall. I feel as though they could be providing more support than they are. I still have to sit exams at home, complete four more 4000 word essays; without face to face support this is more difficult than I believe they realise.
Interviewee C:
My department have given extensions and offered sykpe/zoom meetings, which is helpful. I know other universities have implement a no detriment policy and I am really hoping Edge Hill does the same. I would be very comforted by this safety net due to the unprecedented circumstances.
Interviewee D:
Absolutely not, for our dissertation they have completely left us uninformed and not acknowledge how this pandemic is affecting us. My tutors have said they will consider providing an extension and that the decision will be made by April 3rd. This is our deadline day. I require university facilities (the music studio) to complete my dissertation, yet even without access I have been told to just get on with it. The department feels very unorganised, one person will say one thing and another will contradict them. This is very stressful.
Interviewee E:
I am aware that my lecturers are trying their best in a situation they were not prepared for. However, I also feel let down by the university. I wish they would employ an no detriment policy like other universities have. This would provide a lot of support in such an emotionally distressing time. They could defiantly do more to support their students’, but I am also fully aware this is very stressful time for staff too.
What is the first thing you are going to do when self isolation is over?
Interviewee A:
The first thing I will do is probably cry. Then I will go out for food or go to Tesco.
Interviewee B:
I will go to either my cricket club, my university house to see my friends or to see one of neighbours.
Interviewee C:
I’m praying it is sunny so I can spend the whole day outside. It will include food and drinks and seeing my friends and family. I miss them.
Interviewee D:
I will go to the pub and see my mates.
Interviewee D:
I will give my Grandad and my dog a hug.
Helpful links:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/loneliness/about-loneliness/
https://quackehu.design.blog/2020/03/26/looking-after-your-mental-health-while-in-quarantine/
quackehu.design.blog 