Managing Time as a Student of ‘Zoom University’

Photo Credit/ Lynne McGee

Lynne McGee

Staff Writer

College is hard. Mix in a national pandemic and online classes, and then ask a college student how they’re doing. Chances are, they won’t be great.

Halfway through the summer, ESU made the decision to switch from in person classes to remote learning for the fall semester, due to Covid-19. Yet, the show must go on and students must learn. 

With the help of Zoom, universities across the nation have been forced to stay online for the safety of their students and faculty.

Even with this hard decision and everybody understanding why it was made, the semester isn’t any easier, according to students.

How are students adjusting and managing time while learning remotely? 

For some students, it’s a big change. Others are brushing it off as just another online class of the semester.

“It almost seems worse than being in an actual class.” Melissa Lloyd, a junior, said. “It’s only week three and I feel overwhelmed. I feel like it takes a lot to adjust, depending on who you ask. For me, it isn’t easy at all.”

Lloyd further stated how it hasn’t been particularly easy for students during this time. Particularly, those who feel as though virtual learning seems harder than being in class.

The fall semester officially began Aug. 31. With few Zoom complications, classes have kept up to pace, allowing students the chance at a “new normal.”

The start of the new semester brings stress, and being online is no different. It seems as the semester progresses, each student is finding a different way to decompress at the end of the day.

When asked on how he is adjusting, freshmen Kyle Clark mentioned his understanding, and his frustrations. 

“It’s sad,” Clark said. “I mean, I get it. I understand the safety measures, but I feel like I’m missing out on so much. I love being home, but living on campus was going to be new and exciting. Some of us may never get the opportunity to live on campus again.”

Many students commented on the struggle between having full time student responsibilities, and now, home responsibilities.

Some students have adjusted well to being home, though family members are still adapting. Students are learning to balance home life and school life with this new remote learning.

However, students have stated how being home makes them feel comfortable. Being able to have their own room and familiar objects, makes adjusting even easier.

“Though at times it may seem like being home is perfect, there are always some obstacles,” said Antionette Davis, a senior. “I feel like my parents forget I’m learning full time and want me to help out home, but I can’t. I don’t mind the remote learning, but I think they do!”

Antoinette spoke about how sometimes it is hard to put school first while home Although, it seems as the semester continues, everyone learns their routine.

Every student adjusts in a different way, some well, others not so much. It depends on who you ask. 

Some say it depends on your home location, and others that it is dependent on the classes a student takes.

Yet, many stated they adjusted easiest due to their professors.

Professors play an important role in helping a student adjust in and out of the classroom. Many are applauding the work they are doing to help the semester run the easiest.

As the semester moves forward, more and more students are adjusting to their classes.

ESU has a long road ahead as the coronavirus pandemic continues.

Email Lynne at:

lmcgee1@live.esu.edu