Three weeks under your belt and a break coming up soon!
Many students are finding remote learning easier this time around and have decided to embrace this type of learning as a 'must do'! Even if you haven't quite got a routine going yet, you still have time, so don't worry!
This week we have some great tips on getting yourself organised for the rest of the Semester. From using Google drives to structuring your day, you'll find some really useful ways to make the most out of your day and enjoy Semester 2. Spring is here, summer is just around the corner, so jump on board now and give your days a better structure!
Stay well!
Claire
Event Date Time Event Link
1:1 Writing Centre Appointments Ongoing Book a time Book here
S.H.A.G Fest (Sexual Health All week Various times View events and Guidance Week)
Mindfulness in a Challenging 09/02/21 13:00 - 14:00 Register here Situation - Session 3
Afternoon Mass from the Inter 09/02/21 13:00 - 13:30 Live stream here Faith Centre (Live stream)
Pathways to Success (Wk 2) 09/02/21 17:00 - 18:00 Click here 'Goal Setting'
Lead DCUSU: Finding Your 09/02/21 14:00 - 16:00 Register here Purpose and Building on It
Emotional Wellbeing - Stress 10/02/21 13:00 - 14:00 Register here and Anxiety - Session 2
Free Yoga Classes - S2 Series 10/02/21 12:05 - 12:55 Register weekly here (organised by the CLC & SLC)
International Relations & Politics - 10/02/21 15:00 - 16:00 Register here Careers Showcase Series: S2
Pathways to Success (Week 2) 11/02/21 13:00 - 14:00 Click here
'Goal Setting'
PMEP Information Session 12/02/21 13:00 - 14:00 Register here
Ash Wednesday Service 17/02/21 17:00 - 18:00 Live stream here (YouTube Live Stream)
Did you know that Google Drive is available to all DCU students at as part of their Gmail?
This free unlimited file storage system is a great option for storing and organising your class materials in a way that works best for you! Watch this 2 minute video from the TEU which gives tips on how you can use Google Drive to be more organised and productive.
Ruby is a 2nd year student at DCU, studying Education and Training. She shares a typical day for her right now as a remote student and the little things that have helped her to stay motivated and productive during this time. Over to Ruby....
The no.1 thing I have learned from this whole “stay at home” experience is that the small things are now the big things. Here is a snapshot of a typical day for me right now…
Morning
I find that setting myself a simple morning routine acts like a quick reset button for me, especially right now when days have a habit of merging with the next. I make my bed, wash my face, brush my teeth, get dressed and eat something as soon as I get up. I think of getting dressed as getting into a work uniform – once I’m dressed I’m in work mode. While attending lectures in pajamas is ridiculously comfortable, I try to avoid it!
Staying Connected Throughout the Day
My phone has been a great way to stay socially close, but physically distant, during lockdown but I admit it can be a big distraction. I’ve discovered though that nearly all our favourite social media apps have options in the settings to manage our time - for example;
Instagram has a daily time reminder, which you can set for how long you want. It will let you know when you have reached your daily limit.
Facebook also has a feature called “Quiet Time” which will mute notifications and remind you that it's quiet time when you click the app.
On the flip side, I have found personally that you can feel quite disconnected while being at home so I’ve been organising a ‘Lunch Zoom’ once a week with other classmates as a fun way to catch up and feel a little more normal.
Evening
After I have finished college work for the day, I put my books and laptop away - out of sight out of mind! I try get out for a walk everyday but between having already explored my 5km many times and the weather recently, it can be tough to find the motivation.
Setting myself a target of steps to reach each day has been helpful but when this is a challenge, I try to practice other methods of self-care such as pamper nights, mindfulness or even just allowing myself to watch Netflix guilt free. These are the small things that have now become the big things when supporting and motivating myself through college, during what has been a crazy year.
For more information on Student Support Services visit the SS&D website here.
General Student Advice queries:
Chat: using the 'Ask' button on My DCU
Email: to student.support@dcu.ie
Phone: 01 700 7165 to speak with a Student Adviser
