COVID-19 was unexpected and life changing. The entire world was forced to evaluate the everyday interactions and routines we have all become accustomed to.
Life on college campuses changed overnight for thousands of students, and very few knew how to navigate the new normal. This abrupt and unexpected change had major impacts on many aspects of college life.
Incoming freshmen were especially vulnerable to the changes of virtual interactions and limited time with professors or advisors. This caused freshmen to feel even less connected and more worried about their future success in college.
Many incoming freshmen were concerned about success in college before COVID-19. Now they find themselves paralyzed by uncertainty and an inability to properly prepare for the new few years away from home.
Fortunately, there are ways both students and parents can prepare for and thrive in college post-COVID-19. Students can make early contact and contingency plans, and parents can invest in safety measures including finding car insurance for a student living away from home.
How to Prepare for College Post-COVID-19
Current incoming freshmen are not only preparing for a new chapter in their lives but are also forced to do so in a time when most of the world is reassessing how they personally and professionally function in a world post-COVID.
Fortunately, there has been some time for colleges to find ways new students can best prepare themselves for college post-COVID-19.
#1 – Know Your Online Options
COVID-19 pushed most interactions and learning experiences online. While a vast majority of higher education institutions had an online presence before COVID, that presence multiplied overnight. Taking the time before classes start to locate and log into online materials can be a lifesaver.
If you have problems or need additional support, contact your institution or instructor before the need for full access arises. Early contact will also help ensure you have little to no delay in learning or additional stress in a transition to fully online.
#2 – Find Support Options
Many institutions offer social, mental, and emotional support, but students don’t know how to access those resources. It’s a good idea to find these resources and reach out before the need arises.
Contacting mental and physical health care professionals before something major happens offers the opportunity for maintenance or wellness check-ins.
#3 – Stay in Contact
Communication is key in every situation. This is especially true when college classes transition from in-person to virtual. The ability to contact professors can be limited in a virtual environment.
If COVID infections increase in your area, you might find yourself attending class on your laptop. Make sure you are aware of all communication methods before your classes move to a virtual setting, as well as stay on top of assignments and deadlines.
#4 – Take Care of Yourself
Find and maintain a self-care routine. You can talk to someone in person or virtually to work through any concerns and worry you might be carrying. You can set aside a few minutes or an hour every day to check in with yourself.
Whatever keeps you focused and positive, try to make it happen every day.
Remember to invest in and take control of your physical health as well. One of the best ways to stay healthy and fight any infection is a balanced diet plus physical exercise. This can be as simple as taking a 30-minute walk outside every day. Keep it simple, consistent, and doable.
#5 – Stay Flexible
Perhaps the best preparation tip is to stay flexible. Remember that the rest of the world is dealing with the ever-changing nature of COVID-19 as well. You are not alone in the confusion, frustration, and worry. Try to maintain a positive attitude and roll with the punches.
Car Insurance for College Students
There are several ways for parents to prepare for their student’s journey and life in college.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced many colleges and universities to close temporarily, and many students were hurriedly scrambling to pack and get back home. Some students were left to rent cars and travel hundreds of miles with little warning.
This kind of travel can be exhausting and worrisome, especially if you feel unprepared. So it’s best to get and stay prepared. The best way to do that is to update your car insurance policy and ensure your college student is still covered.
Most college students are still dependent on their families. They need help from their parents while they learn and grow in their self-confidence and abilities. For example, most college students can and should stay on their parent’s car insurance policy.
The fact that your student doesn’t live in your home full-time doesn’t change their need for auto insurance. Your child’s status as a college student opens up a number of different coverage and discount options. It’s important to look into all these options so that both you and your student are covered and protected.
It may seem small, but having the assurance that your student is covered while behind the wheel will help ease your mind. The world is a scary place, but there are a few ways to make it a little less scary.
Laura Gunn writes and researches for the auto insurance comparison site, AutoInsurance.org. She is a retired high school teacher who taught both English and college readiness classes. She is passionate about all students being prepared and finding success in college.
