Four young people huddle round together, smiling and laughing, looking at a phone that the person in the middle is holding. They stand inside a campus building.

Staying motivated at uni during the Covid-19 pandemic

  • 5 min read
  • 29 January 2021

Author: Mary, 19

Topics mentioned: looking after yourself at uni, self-care

About: It can be hard to find motivation in lockdown, whether that be to study, work or anything else. Mary shares three tips that have helped her at uni.

University can always be a challenging experience, no matter who you are, how you cope with different situations, or what you were like at school. However, this year we have had to cope with the extra anxiety surrounding Covid-19. Not a single person I know has not felt some kind of anxiety over this year. Everyday life seems harder, deadlines seem like more pressure than usual, motivation is lagging and winter break was not the relaxing time most people were expecting.

I have chosen to stay at home rather than go back to university after the holidays. With Covid rates increasing, I felt this was the best decision for me. I am lucky enough to get on with my family, and therefore living at home is not too bad for me at all; I miss my independence and my own space, but overall I am coping with it. However, like most people, I am still experiencing anxiety around motivation, guilt and generally around the coronavirus at the moment.

Like most people, I am still experiencing anxiety around motivation, guilt and generally around the coronavirus at the moment.

It is important that despite the difficulties surrounding Covid, you keep in mind the reasons why you’re doing the work you’re doing, whether that is a uni course, job or a personal hobby. It is really difficult being in the same room for days at a time, with no ability to break it up through social events or going for a day out, but there are ways you can make the most of it.

1. Make a daily routine

At work, school or university, you would have a specific routine to boost you through the day. Morning lessons, break, mid-morning lessons, lunch, afternoon lessons, home. This routine makes you feel motivated as you know exactly what you need to do every day.

Working or studying from home can be difficult as it is not as easy to make this routine, particularly if you are working to your own schedule rather than participating in live lessons/meetings/lectures. Try to set some tasks for the following day the night before, create a morning routine and set up for the day. With a routine to guide you through the day, tasks will feel less pointless as you tick them off. Make sure your goals are realistic, and like in a normal day of school or work, give yourself proper breaks to switch off and eat.

Make sure your goals are realistic, and like in a normal day of school or work, give yourself proper breaks to switch off and eat.

Make sure your goals are realistic, and like in a normal day of school or work, give yourself proper breaks to switch off and eat.

2. You don't need to feel guilty

It is normal for everyone to be feeling a bit low at the moment. Self-care is even more important than usual. Make time for special ‘you-time’ where you watch your favourite series, have a bath, listen to music, meditate or workout. By doing this, you can refresh yourself and prepare yourself for the next day.

If you feel like you failed today, didn’t do enough or didn’t get through what you wanted to, don’t carry this disappointment into the next day. Take some time out and be gentle with yourself. If you’re feeling pressure to stay up late and get it all done, you could write a list for the following day with the top priorities at the top. We all have days which aren’t productive, and this is completely normal.

We all have days which aren’t productive, and this is completely normal.

3. Try not to let Covid anxiety overwhelm you

Covid is anxiety-provoking for many reasons, but let’s do what we can to not be living in constant fear. As long as you are doing your best to stay safe, follow government guidelines and be sensible, you should try to think of this as a real achievement.

Remember that the world will eventually return to normal and this is not forever. In the meantime, keep celebrating your daily successes, remember that you’re doing your best and don’t feel guilty about that, and try to stay in contact with friends and family, even if it’s just a message a day.

More information and advice

We have tips and advice to help you find the support you need. Take a look at our guides.

Where to get help

However you're feeling, there are people who can help you if you are struggling. Here are some services that can support you.

  • Student Minds

    Supports students to look after their mental health by providing information and advice.

    They also provide details about local services offered by universities.

  • Shout

    Text SHOUT to 85258.

    Shout provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis.

    All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors.

    Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, GiffGaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus.

    Texts can be anonymous, but if the volunteer believes you are at immediate risk of harm, they may share your details with people who can provide support.

    Opening times:
    24/7

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