How Are Students *Really* Feeling During the Pandemic

JAYNE LOO

As students in Malaysia, especially college students, it is believed that students are really having a bad time coping with online studies due to the pandemic and the rising cases in Malaysia. While some students think that online classes are better, some can't live their lives normally they used to have when there was no pandemic. But, have you ever wondered how students are feeling after all the classes and activities were transitioned into online classes?

Online classes may be brutal for some students as they can’t focus if they are not in class physically. Students are also rushing assignments because lecturers think that students have a more flexible schedule at home compared to being at campus. In other words, physical classes could be a way to escape abusive households or a way to feel happier. Having online classes can lead to students having anxiety attacks or being stressed out due to rushed assignments. To prove this point, we asked some students about their opinions of working from home and online classes to see if the ‘online’ life is really going well.

“I think there's only two negative things about it is the bad Wi-Fi and less interaction with friends and lecturers since we can't see each other's faces during online classes.” said David.

“My mental health has definitely gotten worse, a lot of stress is a must; panic attacks at 3am; even been through anorexia which I never had before and sometimes feel I could be back into having it any next second,”

And yet, people still think that the ‘online’ life is a miracle.

“I hate being at home and I miss campus and my friends a lot. I’m honestly not coping well because I feel like my life has lost its sense of structure.” said Jordyn.

Online classes may be more convenient as you can search the web during online exams, you can listen to music while taking the exam. However, some lecturers won’t extend deadlines for assignments as lecturers think it is easier to finish them because we are home. Yet according to the responses that we got, we found out that most of the students often have panic attacks due to rushed assignments with short deadlines. They tend to break down and procrastinate as they are unmotivated to continue their work.

“I take a break to wrap myself in my blanket so I can feel calm, I go on my phone and take deep breaths to avoid my panic attacks from overtaking me. I also cry to loosen up myself, it’s healthy, it’s okay.” said Agnes.

But what can we do to stay motivated or prevent panic attacks from occurring? Again, we asked students what they do to distract themselves whenever they feel stressed or unmotivated.

“When I feel unmotivated or another panic attack is coming, I just try to lose myself in my phone and social media because then I would not feel like I am facing this helpless situation.” said Jessica.

“I’m currently working while studying, I don’t have much stuff to do in work but when I’m stressed with assignments, I’ll bury myself in work to keep myself from stressing out.” said Donald.

You also can watch movies to loosen up, especially comedy movies to have a laugh or talk to a friend or your partner so they understand what they are going through. Talking to someone might make it easier for you to calm down.

College students are really having a bad time coping well with online classes due to the pandemic. Remember, just because you are enjoying it, doesn't mean everyone else is. Lastly, we hope everyone is doing fine and surviving behind the screen. Stay safe and don’t stress out!