I’m all ready for a return to a very different type of campus life at university in Leeds - YEP opinion

There has been a whirlwind of change since the coronavirus outbreak started. Our economy has weakened, people have lost their loved ones and many businesses have suffered.

Alongside this, there has also been a change in the way students are taught at universities across the UK, including in Leeds.

I have just finished my second year studying at the University of Leeds and I’m now progressing into my final year in September.

The university has had to make so many changes to courses during lockdown, but also in preparation for the start of the new academic year.

All undergraduates were given details throughout the summer break of what will be happening to our teaching this year.

Many large lectures will go ahead online with smaller teaching groups, such as seminars and practicals, still being taught face-to-face.

My journalism course is very small with only 40 students each year and I have been lucky enough to be told that most of my teaching will remain face-to-face with only small adjustments to the modules.

I was thrilled to hear this as the nature of my course means it would have been very hard to complete solely online. 

However, my experience going into the new academic year will be a lot different to what I expected.

Already, I have had my third-year placement postponed and may not even complete it due to the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Even simple things like walking around campus will not be the same. I know I will definitely be more cautious when on campus, whilst aware of the possible risk of a second wave.

Many students will also find it a lot harder to stay productive with lectures moving online.

I struggle to maintain focus whilst watching lectures at home and imagine that many will feel the same. I get distracted easily and prefer working on campus with lots of background noise. 

Currently, all libraries and study spaces are reopening in phases with a click and collect service for resources and limited bookable study spaces. The hope is for the number of these spaces to increase as the semester goes on.

Learning from home will be difficult as I am missing out on the benefits from face-to-face learning. Hence, my main worry is finding this year too hard and not graduating next year.

In spite of this, the university has been very reassuring, providing students with remote access to resources and support if they are struggling. 

Even though my final year at university won’t turn out exactly how I’d planned, I am still very excited to be returning in a couple of weeks.

I have missed campus life - it will be different, but the changes will slowly become the new normal to make sure both students and staff stay safe.