Quarantine experiences and advice – part 2

July 23, 2021, by International students

Quarantine experiences and advice – part 2

In quarantine experiences and advice – part 1, some of our international student ambassadors shared their experiences of completing quarantine (self-isolation). In part 2, they share their quarantine advice for new students.

Udochukwu

These comments are from:

Adityesh from India, studying MSc Mechanical Engineering
Faiza from Pakistan, studying PhD Business and Management
Habibatallah from Egypt, studying MEng Electronic and Computer Engineering
Montaha from Bangladesh, studying MSc Cancer Immunology and Biotechnology
Soumya from India, studying Msc Computer Science (AI)
Udochukwu from Nigeria, studying MSc Human Resource Management and Organisation

Advice for quarantine

Udochukwu

For students who need to quarantine I’d advise you enjoy the time before things get overwhelming, because you’d miss the quiet and alone time – I sure do. Do anything you love, play games, connect with family and more. Also, plan ahead make sure you’re comfortable and you’ve got necessary supplies and food to last the period.

Soumya

Quarantine is something most people dread because of the solitude it accompanies. When I arrived to the university, I came across a lot of discussion groups and meetings in the website of the University of Nottingham where you can interact with people online and sessions where you can get to know international students. This was really beneficial. There are other groups like Friends International Nottingham available on social media sites like Instagram, where you can join the sessions and talk to people. The time for quarantine is something in which you can nurture your skills like cooking and baking. This will come handy for the rest of the time here at the university. Similarly, there are many skills which you may choose to enhance during this period.

Adityesh

One of the main things is to carry clothes and snacks that can last you through the quarantine period. Another piece of advice would be to keep in regular touch with your family and friends back home to prevent getting homesick!

Montaha

Do your research: try to measure the pros and cons before arriving. Also, make sure you have someone to help you, especially if you are in a private accommodation. Reaching out to country ambassadors or university support systems is very helpful!

Habibatallah

My advice is to be smooth with it and don’t let your thoughts control you or don’t overthink too much because when we stay alone we can overthink too much that can affect our mental health. Also quarantine is the best time to set habits for yourself and develop your personality so don’t waste it. Don’t forget to bring a mat to do workout on it and get books or stuff you like to entertain you and also call your family and your friends a lot.

Faiza

Faiza (selfie taken in quarantine)

My advice to incoming students would be to develop a set routine:

Getting up and sleeping at a certain time
Get in touch and connected to your classmates and other people in quarantine
Get in touch with your professors
Try reading a nice book if you are fond of reading
Play online games with friends and other people
Be kind to yourself
Eat well and stay hydrated
Listen to music

Staying healthy (physically and mentally)

Spaghetti made by Soumya during quarantine

Soumya

Quarantine time is focussed to keep oneself isolated in order to maintain wellbeing of oneself. I made the most out of my quarantine because I could focus on my body and mind through exercises and meditation sessions. This helped me prepare for the impending hectic schedule once the classes commenced. Maintaining a balance of body and mind boosts one’s productivity and that’s what we aim as students here at the university.

Faiza

My advice would be to be kind to yourself during this period as it can be straining on your body and soul. Start a 10-day fitness challenge that works best for you. Make healthy food and meditate a few times a week. Use the time productively by arranging your room, personalise it and – if you want – get started on your work ahead of time. Most importantly, get good quality sleep so you are rested and refreshed for the year ahead.