Resocialising Post-Pandemic
When the global pandemic happened last year, many students had mixed feelings about attending online classes, myself included. On one hand, I would be missing out on the conventional college experience but the other, extra sleep!
However, UCSI College and University have decided to open their doors again to students for physical classes beginning next year in January 2022 (according to the mandatory SOPs of course). While many of us must be excited to see our friends and finally feel like a college or university student, a feeling we can’t quite obtain by merely sitting in front of a screen. There must be some others who are dreading the return of physical classes.
In my opinion, the reason several students are reluctant to attend physical classes is because of the socialisation that is required. Not only that, after staying home for months on end, our interaction skills might be a tad rusty. Therefore, here are some tips and tricks I have found useful to communicate and make new friends post-pandemic.
Firstly, do not be so self-conscious. No one will be staring at you and judging your hair or outfit, so attempt not to do so to others. We are all just students attending classes at an academic institution. Try to relax and stay calm, being friendly and helpful always helps in these situations. Smiling would definitely be great too, depending on however many other people can see under these masks!
Next, try to keep a free and easy schedule. Yes, it would be easier to go straight home or back to the dormitory right after class, but to make friends you have to put in the effort. Suggest going out for a meal or a little activity somewhere after a long, hard day of studies! Provided that everyone is willing and does not clash with other plans. Taman Connaught is bursting with countless cute coffee shops and restaurants with tasty food, so do take advantage of that! Going to a café hopping with classmates can be an amazing and delicious way to bond with fellow students and build long-lasting friendships. Many of these eateries offer student prices too, so don’t forget to bring along your student identification card, just in case. Thank me later!
Lastly, lower your expectations. With the ever-present threat of this deadly virus hanging around, there must be new and necessary practices and procedures that must be followed, no matter how cumbersome or unpleasant they may be. Hence, as we get used to this ‘new normal, remember that many things might never be the same, or may take a long time to return to the way they were before March 2020. Our current students might not experience the average college/university life as seen in movies and on TV, but do not be disheartened! This just gives us a blank page to write our own story in these unprecedented times. Take things as they come, and above all, have fun!
New experiences such as attending classes in person and meeting new people can surely be scary. Nevertheless, push yourself out of your comfort zone and I can assure you, dear reader, great things will come your way. Let’s make these the best years of our lives!
