Catching Covid and having to isolate for 10 days is not an ideal situation to be in, but unfortunately it can happen at any time. It can be extremely tough and lonely for students, particularly due to being away from family. Here are a few tips for surviving isolation and making the best of a bad situation.

Keep a routine

Although it can be hard to have a routine when you can’t leave your home, keeping a routine can be helpful for staying mentally well. Doing the basics each day will also help you feel better, even if you don’t feel like doing them. Simple tasks such as having a shower, brushing your hair, and getting dressed each morning can make a world of difference.

Look after yourself

Do things you love to do, whether this be watch films, read, or eating lots of chocolate, as this is an opportunity to take care of yourself. If you are suffering with symptoms take medicine to make you feel better and do the basics such as get enough sleep and vitamins.

Facetime/ring someone you love

Isolating will be lonely, however ringing people can make you feel slightly less alone. You could video call a loved one and eat dinner or watch a film together.

Hannah Lichioui, a first year student at Bournemouth University, recently caught Covid and had to isolate. Her main piece of advice for anyone going through the same would be to “keep busy during the day and get a good amount of sleep at night.” Kitty Nixon, also a first year student at Bournemouth University, found herself in the same position. Her advice for anyone in the same position would be to “keep in contact with friends and family as speaking to people about any kind of worry you have can really help your emotions”. She also said to “keep eating as it’s going to give you that extra energy your body needs.”

Ensure you have enough supplies

It’s important to ensure you have enough food and other essentials for the 10 days you’re isolating. There are many ways you can get these without leaving your home. You could get a friend to do your shopping for you, or you could get an online delivery. Order the supplies you need but it’s also a good idea to treat yourself as well, perhaps by ordering lots of chocolate.

Keep yourself distracted

One of the hardest parts about being in isolation is facing boredom. The best way to combat this is to keep yourself as distracted as you can. Here are a few ways you can do this:

• Do uni work
• Watch films/series you’ve never seen
• Re-organise your room (drawers, wardrobe etc)
• Read a book
• Bake/try new recipes (if you have access to a kitchen)

Don’t be too hard on yourself

If you’re not being productive or making the most of your time in isolation, don’t feel guilty. Having to isolate is an exceptional circumstance and it’s normal to not feel like yourself.