Keeping connected in London’s lockdown

The London Campus is a global mix of students. Currently there are more than 250 students, of 7 different nationalities, from countries ranging from Moldova to India. Many of the students are living in the UK for the first time having moved over for postgraduate courses. It can be challenging enough for students to adapt to living in a new country and to find their feet socially in a new place, but they, like students across the UK, now find themselves in the midst of a pandemic lockdown. So how do you keep a sense of togetherness and community spirit in these challenging times?

Students at York St John London have been offered a buddy to help stave off loneliness during the physical distancing phase of the pandemic. If any students are unable to socialise during isolation they are assigned a buddy to keep in contact with, so they can look out for each other.

The YSJ London community has been sharing information on how they are currently keeping in touch with loved ones, no matter how distant. Many are staying with extended family and keeping in touch with families in other countries in a variety of ways, using Whatsapp, social media, Facetime or Zoom. Helping others and developing online hobbies such as yoga, reading and brushing up on cooking skills are all proving popular with students.

Students have also been working on pieces of writing about the meaning of Easter and considering the theme of light after darkness. This essay competition provided food for thought and fostered a sense of hope said Komal Raimalani, whose essay was placed joint second: “Easter gives us hope that there is victory at the end, so in these difficult times we must trust that Jesus will bring a swift end to this crisis. In addition of our prayers we must protect our families, friends and neighbours by staying at home, celebrating and remembering that Easter brings hope of life.”

Also placed second was Ramesh Tamang, who said: “I would like to thank my entire University team for encouraging and motivating the students by providing such an interesting exercise. In addition, I appreciate the efforts which are being carried out by the University to provide their support and assistance to the students even in this difficult situation, and also being in touch with them on a regular basis to understand their present condition in order to help them out further.”

If you would like to get in touch with the team, please email  ContactYSJLondon@yorksj.ac.uk