Survival Guide to Spring Semester in Your Childhood Home

AUSLEEN ACOSTA | JAN. 22, 2021

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The way that I’m starting my last semester at SDSU has been far from what I would have ever imagined. I’ve always looked forward to my last semester here at State - meticulously planning every semester of my college career in order to have an easy load during my last semester, living in an apartment filled with my best friends, studying abroad in a faraway country, being newly 21 years old... but here I am, having my “grand finale” in my childhood bedroom.

On behalf of every college student in America, no one was prepared for the mental and emotional toll that COVID-19 gave us. At the peak of the global pandemic, we were expected to pack our things, adjust to online learning, and perform at our highest like nothing ever happened. Though everyone’s “living at home” experience has been different, it always leads back to one question... how do we succeed in college when we are living at home?

TIP #1: KNOW YOUR BOUNDARIES WITH YOUR FAMILY
One major thing that I had to adjust to during quarantine was having a loud house and disruptive family members. It seemed that every time I had class or had an assignment due, all of a sudden, my house turned into a zoo and every family member needed my help! Although it’s hard to speak up against your family, it’s so important to remember that you are an adult that has boundaries and deserves respect. One of the main things that helped me with online school was setting boundaries with my family and having everyone understand my workload. I had my school schedule taped onto my refrigerator and “do not disturb” signs on my door to maintain separation between work life and family life.

TIP #2: GET OUT OF BED
How do we separate work from home when we are working from home? A simple answer but it’s something that none of us want to do; get out of bed! Working from your bed has proven a decrease in sleep quality, work productivity, and energy levels. According to Health Line, “When we use our bed for other activities, like working, reading, watching TV, etc., we create an association with wakefulness. We want the bed to be a cue for sleep, and working in bed weakens this association.” Considering the pandemic, civil unrest, and ongoing chaos, who could blame us for wanting to work from our bed! I am definitely a victim to it, along with the majority of college students, but doing your work on a desk has definitely been a game-changer in staying productive.

TIP #3: GET INVOLVED WITH EXTRACURRICULARS
One reason why I loved SDSU so much was because of the social life and networking opportunities. Although the way we connect with other students has been different during the pandemic, being involved with other students through a computer screen is better than having no interaction at all. Having a community that you are a part of is so important ESPECIALLY when we are dealing with times that are difficult for all college students. When I joined American Marketing Association this past semester, it gave me stability, people that I could talk to, and a distraction from my crazy home life!

TIP #4: BE GRATEFUL
As the world may seem like it is crumbling beneath us, it’s so important to remain grateful for the little things! We are lucky to have a roof over our heads, our health amidst a global pandemic, and people that support us. Living at home could feel like a total disaster at times, but there are so many benefits that come with it! Take advantage of the fact that you’re saving money from rent, that you have time to spend with your family, and going to Zoom University in your pajamas!

Online school and living at home have definitely been a challenge, but finding the little joys in hard situations makes these unprecedented times easier. We wish you the best in surviving the spring semester!

REFERENCES:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424127887323551004578116922977737046