Welcome to the second LSU blog for Loughborough University London students! In this blog, Loughborough Students’ Union (LSU) London School President, Amie Woodyatt, considers the subject of remote living.

“Remote” is one of the buzzwords of 2021. We have remote working, remote learning, and many of us have found ourselves in the limbo state of remote living, especially students. Attending university but attending university remotely. Or moving away from home, but mixing and socialising with new people in small groups or remotely. Staying at home and visiting campus (…you guessed it) remotely.

It’s just… weird.

Moving to London to begin my studies in October 2020 was always the plan for me, even with the threat of another lockdown. But being remote, at times not being able to go onto campus, having restrictions on in-person teaching, and being socially distanced from those I know in London, including my partner, is draining. I’ve found little routine and the possibility of being one of the unlucky few (under the age of 25) to get a serious case of covid-19, is keeping my anxiety on high alert.

I have to keep at it, though. Like the good little adult I am I still go and do my food shopping, I make it on to campus at least once every week to study and get a lateral flow test, and take breaks from staring at work on my laptop to watch films…on my laptop. In the UK, restrictions are beginning to ease and we’re allowed to meet outside, I’ve taken the opportunity to see my partner – it is amazing the difference seeing someone ‘in real life’ can make.

And while switching my brain on to complete university work is a task in itself, I’m so grateful I’ve had my master’s to do. I’m studying within the Institute for Digital Technologies (IDT) who have kept me busy and, due to deadline upon deadline, time is flying.

Admittedly being in the fourth month of 2021 already is a bit scary, but the quicker it’s out of the way and I can sit outside in the sun and see some friends from Loughborough, the better.

In this strange state of remote living I just try to focus on small joys. Made a nice sauce to go with my pasta? Great. Saw a dog while I was walking to the shop? Great. Form a love-hate relationship with WandaVision? Great.

At some point we’ll be able to sit at one of the many eateries on Canalside after a lecture, enjoy the afternoon sun, have a drink and internally stress about our dissertations, as students should. Until then… I advise copious amounts of your favourite food, your streaming service of choice, and plenty of water. It’s good for your health and brain, something needed for this higher education thing.

Wherever you are and whatever your study method, keep hold of the small things, summer is nearly here.

We’d love to hear from you about the topics you’d like to be covered as part of the LSU London blog series.

Loughborough University London and Loughborough Students’ Union would like to thank Amie Woodyatt for this blog.

To find out more about the LSU in London, please visit our website.