Supporting Each Other
As the world continues to adjust to post-pandemic life, we may need some time to connect with campus life at the start of each semester.
After a period of time with family and friends, it’s normal to feel nervous or apprehensive when arriving back on campus after the holidays. COVID-19 has left many people fearing illness and feeling more anxious after periods spent travelling or socialising with large groups of people. Although these feelings are normal, they can result in behaviours that negatively impact wellbeing. For example, we might avoid connecting with others, make unfair judgements about people or treat them differently based on preconceived ideas.
How we treat each other whilst we re-adjust to campus life is so important as it helps us grow a supportive community where wellbeing really matters. Find some common worries related to adjusting to campus life below and tips on how to handle them. We've also included some situations that have arisen throughout COVID with ideas on how to face them with compassion and kindness.
Tips on how to…
-
Everything is new and I’m freaking out
It’s OK to feel nervous or scared if you are arriving in ÐÂÀ˲ÊƱ for the first time. It’s a big deal and lots of our student community know exactly what it feels like. It is also a time for excitement, a time to build connections and discover who you are in this new environment. There are lots of creative and enjoyable ways to connect if you take the first step. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Deal with the ‘freak out’ by taking care of your body. Rapid breathing and excessive planning are things our mind and body do to try and help us find safety but in new situations, they contribute to ‘freaking out’. Slow your breathing, count to 3 and push your feet into the ground. These techniques are really effective in bringing us back into the ‘now’. To practice them, have a look at The Breath and Useful Techniques.
- Check out the Student Blog on the Wellbeing Hub or to hear from students on campus. Hearing from others can really help put our minds at ease.
- Connect with Talk Campus, a peer to peer app that links you to a worldwide network of students.
- Finally, check out the . Knowing what’s here might help you find people with similar interests and start to make everything feel more familiar.
-
I don’t know anyone
It takes a little time and effort to build connections that help you feel settled. Therefore, the best time to start is now. We have a vibrant scene, heaps of opportunities to volunteer / and and a popular student blog to give you an insight into student life here in campus.
Get busy on socials and connect with 1 campus activity or club activities every day or week until you find your crew. It is often from these connections that we build friendships for life. There is a club for everyone.
You can also connect with Talk Campus, a peer to peer app that links you to a worldwide network of students.
-
I’m homesick already
If you have just arrived on campus and are feeling homesick, don’t worry, it’s totally normal. You might have just spent a long time interstate or internationally with family and community so moving away from that is a big deal. Understand what makes you feel connected to them. You might get a lot out of small gestures like a message during the day or you may want to connect over a game or a meal.
Some ideas to get started:
- When connecting with family, leave the camera on after you have chatted and do the things you normally would at home. This creates a sense that you’re spending your time with them despite not being in the same room.
- Take the time to celebrate any birthdays, achievements or good news! If you’re apart from your loved ones, schedule a date to get dressed up and have a drink together online. If you’re living together, organise a party or special dinner in your own home.
- Take the time to express your appreciation. If a loved one does something nice for you, give your thanks and make sure to highlight the quality in them demonstrated by their behaviour e.g. “Thank you for sending me that text, it was so thoughtful of you.â€