New Year, Same Struggle: Coping with Online Learning and Academic Uncertainty

by Lauren Vieira, 2021–2022 IRSOC Blogger

U of T students began a new semester last week, but notions of a “fresh start” have been marred by the return to fully online learning. Students survived almost the entirety of the Fall 2021 semester unscathed by rapid changes in course delivery. That is, until an announcement on December 16th triggered an overnight change in the administration of exams and delayed the return to in-person learning to at least January 31st. Now students are condemned to their previous digital seclusion, with many growing disillusioned by the vagaries of university administration.

This uncertainty presents several challenges to students, making the already precarious act of balancing school, work, and fun a near impossibility. Many activities which previously offered students relief are no longer viable options; the closure of athletic facilities deprives students of a much-needed physical outlet for stress, while gathering limits and the closure of bars confine social engagement to the digital world.

For the time being, the Omicron variant continues to post a serious threat to public health. We must remain vigilant as a society to avoid overwhelming our fragile, underfunded healthcare system. Most students now have over a year of experience with online learning, but many are struggling to re-adjust to the online format. Others are concerned about the safety of returning to campus too soon.

Charlotte Carlyle, a third-year Rotman student, sums up her frustrations with online learning: “My quality of education is reduced, and I feel like I’m really missing out on the full university experience. I wanted to join school clubs and participate in intramurals, but now I can’t do any of that and I don’t know when or if I’ll be able to during my time at U of T.”

Others, like third-year Music student Sarah Richardson, express the student body’s understanding of the difficulties of managing academic affairs during the pandemic: “I think U of T has done the best job that they could, as I am aware they have to follow government orders.”

When asked about their levels of anxiety, both students expressed concern for themselves and their peers.

“It’s been a difficult month. Everything has changed so quickly and it’s hard to stay on top of my mental health while trying to maintain my GPA,” says Charlotte.

The student mental health crisis warrants greater mainstream attention in the media. A survey conducted in March 2021 showed that over half of global undergraduate students polled had experienced a decline in their mental well-being due to the pandemic.

It is essential to take care of your physical and mental health during this time, whether that takes the form of socially distanced walks with friends or “more Netflix, more baths, and more naps,” as described by Charlotte when asked for her top self-care methods.

Exercise is a fantastic way to reduce stress and get your endorphins flowing; it also helps reduce the restlessness that afflicts us after hunching over our laptops all day. MoveU offers free online workout classes for all University of Toronto students, with both prerecorded and live workouts available — no equipment necessary!

One of the best ways to manage anxiety according to English student Alexander Lynch is to “maintain a daily or weekly planner and safeguard time for walks and leisure.” Make yourself a schedule to avoid becoming overwhelmed by neglecting downtime.

Engaging in creative activities is another wonderful way to promote wellbeing. Pick up a new lighthearted book from the library, learn to draw or dance through YouTube videos, and work on a new project unrelated to academia.

As cheesy as it may sound, we truly are all in this together. Be sure to check in on your friends and family, and do not forget to make your wellbeing a priority.

For U of T mental health resources, see: https://mentalhealth.utoronto.ca/find-support-and-services/.

If you are experiencing an emergency, contact a suicide prevention hotline right away:
Crisis Services Canada: 1–833–456–4566
Kids Help Phone: 1–800–668–6868
Indigenous Peoples Hope for Wellness Helpline: 1–855–242–3310