Thursday 24-09-2020 - 11:22

Hey! My name is Elle and I am a second-year Classics and Art History student at St. Chad’s College! This is me at Chad’s annual Candlemas Ball! 

Starting University is stressful and exciting at the best of times, but during a worldwide pandemic, things may see a bit up in the air. It is important to remember that everyone is in the same situation as you (as cliché as it sounds!), so try not to worry too much! Starting a humanities degree at Durham this year can be made that bit simpler, if you follow my three simple tips!

Tip No. 1: Take advantage of online resources

Unfortunately, the Billy B (Bill Bryson Library) won’t be as bustling as usual thanks to important social distancing rules. This most likely means that accessing physical resources, like books you may need, won’t be as easy to get hold of. Fear not! The University has a large array of online resources, from electronic copies of books, to online journal subscriptions. During term time, many people tend to forget about these gems, in favour of a trip to the library with friends. Don’t be that person! Online resources are your best friend, especially because you can access them from bed (which is my preferred location for reading!). You don’t have to return them to the library, and even better, you can highlight and scribble on them. Thank me later!

Tip No. 2: Watch you lectures, even if they’re online

Last term, all of our Classics lectures were online. This would be a great opportunity for me to say, ‘Amazing! I don’t have to go to lectures, what a result!’ – this is a one-way ticket to disaster. As soon as exam time comes around, the panic will set in when you realise you have to watch 20 hours’ worth of lectures in a few days, whilst also frantically writing essays and finishing summatives. The easiest solution to this chaos, is to watch your lectures (it really is that easy). This way, if you have any questions you can get in touch with your lecturer quickly, and not six months after they delivered said lecture! You will also be more prepared for seminars and tutorials, as they tend to be based off material covered in lectures. You have been warned!

Tip No. 3: Don’t be afraid to ask for help

This may seem like an obvious one, but you’d be surprised how many people struggle in silence, usually because of how little contact hours humanities students have compared to STEM students. Therefore, many humanities students feel like they don’t know their lecturer or seminar leader well enough to approach them, or even to send them an email. It is important to remember, especially in the times of COVID-19, to ask if you need help. This can be academically, or for any welfare-related issues. These are difficult times we are living in, and it is important that your University experience is as positive as possible! So, do not be afraid to email your academic advisor, or request a Zoom call with your Level Tutor. Your department is here to help you, so let them!

 

I hope my three tips have helped you in these uncertain times, and I also hope that your first term at Durham University is as amazing a possible! And most importantly, remember to have fun during Freshers! Then, the hard work starts…

 

You can read more from Elle on her blog ellesthetics.wordpress.com and follow the blog’s instagram @ellesthetics._

Image of Palace Green courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.