Uni Lockdown Series: Helena

University of Leeds, Criminology, First Year

The 'Uni Lockdown Series' is a collection of interviews with students across the UK, looking at how the pandemic has impacted their experience: a community who have been forgotten in the conversation.

Helena, what made you choose criminology and Leeds?

Helena: I picked criminology because I'm really interested in the juvenile justice system and people who are wrongfully convicted for crimes. And I picked Leeds actually based on the nightlife which hasn't really gone to plan, and also because it's a really nice city and it's a good distance away from home.

How has lockdown impacted your experience at uni?

Helena: Because of corona I can't really do anything that I was planning on doing at uni. I think it's impacted as well how many and the variety of the people I've met because I've been quite limited to my accommodation, whereas normally I would have met people on my course. I've not actually had any in-person contact, lectures, seminars or anything like that, so I haven't really been able to get to know the uni. And just in general not being able to explore much outside of just my accommodation.

Also, it has affected me financially because I was planning on getting a job when I was in Leeds but because none of the restaurants or anything like that are open, I haven't been able to do that either. Or even to just go on any trips with my course - things like that.

And has lockdown impacted your learning?

Helena: Yes I think it has impacted our learning a lot because all of it is online and by doing that you don't have to show your faces or even put on audio when you're in the lecture. So I end up just going on my phone because you don't really feel responsible or accountability for listening to the lecturers because no one can see you. Also, I think that having to stare at a screen for four hours is definitely going to have longer-lasting impacts. I have already noticed, since starting uni, that my eye sight's gotten worse and I've got back pain. I think it is because we have to sit down in the same position at our desk the whole time and we don't even have to walk to the uni or go outside, so it's really easy just to become lazy now.

Is there is anything you have found particularly difficult?

Helena: I think probably the most difficult thing is not being able to socialise as much as we were going to and knowing there's music events we could of been going to and should be going to. It's not even like we have a date where we know it will all be over by, it's just the uncertainty. I think that is a common thing that like a lot of my friends are saying as well, the uncertainty is really hard because we can't plan ahead.

On a more positive note, is there anything you have enjoyed about being at uni this year?

Helena: The two main things that I have enjoyed about uni has been going to a new city and being able to explore it - going to different parks than what I'm used to. But also the independence it's given me because I am now my own boss, and when I was living at home and go back at Christmas it's not quite the same.

How has your mental health been during lockdown?

Helena: Well I am quite lucky in that I've never really struggled from any mental health issues. And actually, controversially, my mental health thrived in lockdown. It was really sad not to go out and see my friends but I actually was really positive about the whole thing, which is quite convenient actually.

What do you think made you thrive and be positive during lockdown?

Helena: I think the reason why I felt positive during lockdown was because I have quite a positive mindset in general and I am actually alright in my own company. I am quite an extroverted person, but I think that when people struggle being own their own already, then being completely isolated in lockdown and left with your thoughts, that can make it worse. But because I've never really struggled with anything like that it didn't quite effect me in the same way.

Do you have any advice for any people who are also isolating during uni or are struggling with the pressures of lockdown?

Helena: I would say the best advice I could give people is to try and keep yourself occupied, even if that means FaceTimeing your friends once a week and checking in on people. Every bit of contact that you can get is precious now and so I think reaching out is the best way to do it. But I understand that if you're a shy person that can be a lot harder. So, if you're a shy person and you really don't want to reach out to people then you could get yourself a new hobby - I think keeping yourself distracted is the best way to get through it.

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It was so nice to speak to Helena and to hear her experience during lockdown. Although Helena had such a positive outlook, it was still sad to hear how her first year at university is so different to what a normal first year should be.

This interview has highlighted that the impacts of lockdown are so vast and may even be long-term for some students. Luckily for Helena, she has been able to see the bright side of a dull situation, but this isn't the case for everybody. Helena's advice of keeping connected and distracted is definitely a great place to start if you are struggling during the pandemic. Thank you Helena!

Has your experience at university been impacted by the the pandemic, or for any other reason? If this is something you would like to share, please don't hesitate to contact us here at Be Well.

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