Farhan Saeed, our Pakistani Student Ambassador, is back again! This time he’s got some advice on how to look alive during long lectures online.
Due to covid, we all feel a little down. Staying at home can take its toll. However, the only time where we get to interact with other people is during our online lectures. Therefore, it’s crucial that we make the best possible use of this time. Here are a few tips that work for me.
Interact with everyone!
It might sound simple, but it works wonders. I have talked with people during the lectures and it just makes everything a lot better. By everyone I mean not just teachers but fellow students as well! Be curious and participate. On Microsoft teams, you can send a private message to the participants and ask them how they solved certain equations or programmed certain code. It is fun and engaging.
Make a Discord Group
The Discord app is a fun way to do group study. You can discuss the lecture and gossip among your fellow students. You can even play games during the breaks. This is a fantastic way to connect with your fellow students.
Here’s the link: www.discord.com
Have something to munch on
Lectures can be long and complicated. During this time, it is imperative that you energise. I like to keep a bag of Tayto crisps by your side and have a cup of tea or a coffee, whatever works best for you!
Take care of your sleep schedule
I know this has been said so many times before but, during the times in lockdown where you couldn’t go more than 5km and had to mostly stay indoors, a messy sleep schedule clouds your mind. Losing focus and feeling tired on a normal day is bad but during the lockdown, it’s even worse. I know, I have been through this. So, get to sleep on time and wake up at a fixed time. Do not turn on the 9 AM lecture and go back to sleep, doing so will just make the whole experience miserable. Wake up at least 30 minutes beforehand, prepare breakfast, make a cup of tea and then turn on your Zoom/Microsoft Teams etc. It’s better– I promise!
Ease the pressure
We all know that these are difficult times for everyone, therefore, if you are not able to
complete the assignments or tests, just explain the situation to your teachers— I am sure they will understand. I have done this many times and their response is always along the lines of: “prioritise your mental health above anything else”. So do not feel anxious and nervous, it’s ok if you take a day or two more than everyone else. Teachers will understand.
Turn on ambient study music
Study music is great and if you have a lecture, just put some calming background music on low volume with a speaker. It will help you keep your focus on the lecture and keep you entertained as well.
Here are a few of the playlists for you:
1 A.M Study Session ? – [lofi hip hop/chill beats]
Harry Potter Music & Ambience | Rainy Night at Hogwarts
lofi hip hop radio – beats to relax/study to
Farhan is doing a BSc Hons in Interactive Digital Media at Limerick Institute of Technology.