Are you waiting for results? Or maybe you are confirmed as COVID-positive? Either way, you will now be self-isolating – how do you manage your mental health, physical health, and your studies? How do you get the support you need?

It is essential to know you are not alone. In this blog, we will be exploring some expert tips from our Counselling and Wellbeing team to help you manage this experience. Remember just because you are isolating, it doesn’t mean you’re isolated.

Mental Health:

Self-isolation can be hard to deal with, as a student you may only have a small room, you might be away from family and loved ones, this can all have a knock-on effect to your mental health. Make sure you are looking after yourself and your wellbeing:

• Create structure in your day – times when you are studying, when you are resting and leisure time
• Get creative – try something new like doing a puzzle, arts and crafts, cleaning your room, check out RUSU for online events and activities.
• Make sure you continue to interact with others, stay connected – by phone call, message, video call, email
• Decide how much or how little to tell others – you only need to tell those you have been in contact with or live with
• Limit your time spent watching the news
• Use social media to keep in touch
• Be aware of false information
• There are online sources of mental health support: Life Tools, Togetherall, Student Space & NHS workbooks
• Helping others and practising compassion can help boost your mood – being an online buddy, supporting others, organising online group activities
• Though self-isolating can be hard, remember that you are helping protect others and yourself by doing so

Your physical health, and others:

Look after your health and the health of others around you. Physical health is so important, and could easily be overlooked when self-isolating. Here are some things to keep you on track:

• If you live in University halls, alert the team through the Home at Halls app if you have symptoms or have tested positive
• Let all members of your household know (Halls or private accommodation), as they will need to self-isolate in line with government advice
• Ensure that you have enough food – the University has set up an SOS Volunteer scheme so that food is delivered to people who are isolating
• Remember to eat regularly, drink fluids, and rest
• Get into a routine – wake up at approximately the same time, getting ready, dressed and washed as if you were going out
• Manage and monitor your symptoms – if you sense they are worsening, contact 111 asap
• Try to stay active – dance in your room, try yoga or online workouts, have a good stretch, and stand up at least every hour if you are sitting down a lot
• Get as much fresh air, sunshine and “nature”, as you can – have the windows open, sit near your window, even look at nature photos or listen to nature sounds
• Take some time away from a screen – read a book, do some meditation (the Chaplaincy is running an online mindfulness course)

Your studies:

Although it’s not the sole purpose of university, ultimately you are here to study. Here is what you need to know in terms of your study:

• Inform the University with this form
• Inform your school in the usual way (Contact your support centre if you are not sure how to do this)
• Take part in the online seminars, tutorials etc.
• Remember to take breaks from studying and see if you can maintain a rhythm of working during weekdays and taking breaks at weekends
• It’s useful to create areas in your room where you work, areas where you rest (e.g. work at your desk, rest on your bed for instance)
• Your wellbeing is the priority – if you’re too unwell to study, then let your school know

If you have other specific Covid-related question, please email covid-support@reading.ac.uk

Remember to keep up to date with Essentials – Student life in Autumn 2020.

You can also download the NEW Wellbeing Toolkit.