How student life has been redefined post-COVID: Are we adapting or falling behind?

Hannah Bearne on 10 March 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic completely dismantled student life as we know it. Thousands of young people across the country were trapped in their halls and homes, completing work from the confines of their bedrooms. Can we still see the remanence of the pandemic’s destruction in student life today? Have the changes created by COVID-19 left us looking towards a better university experience or falling behind in the life we could have had? 

One of the most notable changes in the student social calendar post-pandemic is in drinking and nightclub culture—specifically the decline in the number of young people partaking in these events. The Guardian uncovered a shocking decrease in nightlife venues, from 1,446 nightclubs in the UK in 2019, to only 787 by 2024. The temporary closure of the industry during the pandemic has catalysed the decline and ultimate shutting down of many venues across the country—most recently the iconic Old Red Bus Station, loved by many students across Leeds.  

Publications like The New York Times have even discussed an epidemic of awkwardness brought about by COVID-19, with the social world returning not quite the same as before. Anxieties around social distancing and health problems likely had a considerable effect on these changes, with a recent Forbes health survey finding that 59% of respondents found it harder to form relationships post-pandemic. 

In a more positive light, the pandemic has had considerable long-term effects on the trend of reduced drinking habits of students and young people, possibly due to the socialising and venue restrictions in place between 2020 and 2021. These reductions in heavy alcohol consumption are still evident in young adults years after the end of the pandemic.  

Some research has found students swapping out the late nights at the club for early mornings at the gym, with health and wellness becoming an increasingly significant priority. One factor in this fitness kick may be the community feel of a group workout, with many students describing the gym as a preferred ‘third place’ after their home and campus. Regardless of whether students are using their memberships to socialise or hit the treadmill, there has been a surge in young people prioritising their mental and physical wellbeing since the pandemic.  

It’s clear that university life has been redefined post-COVID. However, whatever the extent of this change, Leeds continues to be one of the highest-ranking universities in terms of student satisfaction rates, and students worldwide continue to adapt to the ever-evolving university experience.

What To Do When Homesickness Hits at University

Malak Hawashin on 4 November 2024

For many of us, going to university is our first time being away from family and friends for an extended period. It can cause our hearts to fill with wistfulness and desolation. Adjusting to a new life can be difficult, despite the pressure to embrace our new chapter at university.

As social anxiety looms over our heads this autumn, we must remind ourselves that we are all on the same boat, experiencing the same feelings of longing for home. We all miss the comfort of our familiar lives, so sitting in our rooms may seem more favourable than going out into the intimidating unknown.

There are many creative and practical ways to navigate the emotional rollercoaster that is homesickness. By incorporating these tricks into your daily routine, you’ll feel more at ease and gradually start to embrace this new and exciting chapter in your lives:

  1. Simple tasks that drag us out of our rooms are important in keeping us busy. Going for a grocery shop with your flatmates, heading to the gym or even attending your lectures can help get your mind off homesickness. These distractions occupy your mind and provide a break from the overwhelming feeling of missing home.
  1. Keep track of LUU wellbeing events such as the weekly wellbeing and global cafes. Fostering a sense of community and belonging that combats loneliness and isolation. This can help you find a space to get to know more people and perhaps even get the support you didn’t know you needed!
  1. LUU hosts many clubs and societies; find something that excites you and give it a go! Your time at university is all about finding yourself and experiencing new things. 
  1. Although it is okay to miss home, you should not cling to what you miss but rather embrace the opportunity you have been given at university. Mindful practices like gratitude journaling are a perfect example of that; start a journal to reflect and note things that you’re grateful for in your new environment. It can help shift your focus to the positive aspects of your experience at university.
  1. When packing for university, grab some trinkets that remind you of your loved ones, such as pictures and stuffed teddies. This will help make your space more comforting and familiar. You can even create a Homesickness Survival Kit.
  1. Fill a box with items that bring you comfort and relaxation. Something like your favourite tea, a cosy blanket, or a good book will do the trick. Whenever you feel down, you can reach for it to lift your spirits.
  1. Create a schedule that excites you. You can look up new recipes and try them out every day. Similarly, you can arrange coffee dates with your coursemates between classes. Or even set up virtual hangouts with family and friends through video calls. Having a set time to connect with loved ones can give you something to look forward to and make it through the hard times.
  1. It is important to look after yourself, your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health. Getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising are a great way to boost your mental health. Having a routine is essential in reducing your anxiety and creates a sense of comfort and familiarity in your new life.
  1. Stick it out! Students who go home every weekend usually find that it takes longer to fit in, so make sure to stay around the first few weeks.

It is okay to feel homesick, whether you’re a first-year or coming back from an eventful summer break. What’s most important is that you make sure to prioritise yourself and listen to what your body and emotions are telling you. These proactive approaches not only help you cope with homesickness but also encourage personal growth and adaptation to your new life.

Read more:

https://engage.luu.org.uk/guides/article/MTH/i-feel-homesick

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/advice/how-deal-homesickness-university

A Return to Your University Self

Ami Ibanga on 30 October 2023

Returning to study after a break can feel like being thrown in the deep end and realising you’ve forgotten how to swim. Ami gives their top tips for becoming reacquainted with your inner student.

Inadequate Emergency Response with Students

Jennifer Machin on 15 December 2022

Emergency services. Our saviours, heroes, idols. But what if you’re a student? Students are crazy, raucous and out of control, aren’t they? Well, that’s how they see us. They ignore us, condescend us and brush us off, but what happens if it’s a real emergency? Why would they take that risk. Their stereotypes risk our lives. Are we not worthy of help, support, and safety? 

I had an emergency recently. It was Halloween, my friends were over, and the evening culminated in a brick through the window. I don’t know the boys who stormed into our house and got aggressive when we asked them to leave. I didn’t want my refuge of a home to be attacked, and yet the emergency services made me feel like it was my fault. No, I was not out of control, nor at a wild party, I just wanted to feel safe in my own house. 

Now, as soon as I said the magical word ‘party’, she ceased to take me seriously. I had been threatened and had my home damaged, but I’m a student, I must deserve it for being a nuisance and having a ‘party’. I begged her for help, petrified of sleeping in a house that felt unsafe, and she disregarded me. What if these boys had come back? What if others saw our house as an easy target? She said it was no emergency, and that I should get some “perspective”, as the police are busy with ‘real emergencies’ and won’t be coming. But why should I have to worry about the police being overworked? That’s not my job, especially not when I have my own quandaries. I needed safety, protection, and support in a scary moment, and she failed. 

The police get the blame for not attending crimes, but do they even get reported? These call responders judge us and hold our lives in the balance through their directives to the police, and yet they don’t take us seriously. There appears to be plenty of police available for noise complaints and street paroles, but when an actual incident happens, where are they? We receive letter after letter threatening us with fines for noise complaints, with even groups of 3+ risking fines for ‘antisocial behaviour’, yet real emergencies are brushed aside.

In their eyes, we are the perpetrators of crimes, not the victims. When we have been victimized, they attribute it to our own stupidity and carelessness. They see us as perpetually drugged up and arrogant children, but we are academics and avid researchers, Even if some recreationally experiment, are they not worthy of help too?

This occurs far too often, and victims of crimes should not have to worry about police availability. Emergency services should be funded enough to support us, whether that is a local or national government issue. What if one day the risks they take on our lives ends badly? What if their neglect causes injury or even death, just for their pre-existing prejudice? We are easy targets, young and inexperienced in being adults, and their lack of aid exacerbates this. We are a generation of neglect, unimportant to our society and thus left to help ourselves.

This is not the first time the emergency services have ignored me or other students and it won’t be the last time. Unfortunately, it is not just the police who are controlled by these directives, but also ambulances and fire services, making all incidents a risk for us. These systems are in place for a reason, yet a few call operators hold this power of saviour or ignorance, not always making the correct choices, especially when it comes to young people and students.

To all students reading this, please stay safe and cautious. We cannot let people brush these incidents aside, especially when they belong to the exact services that are created to help us. No matter the funding issues, we deserve safety and support too.

Image Credit: PickPik

Disadvantaged Students £1200 Poorer

Ruby Wait-Weguelin on 13 October 2022

The Office for National Statistics calculates inflation to be the highest in 40 years. Without a sufficient rise in maintenance loans, students from low-income households could be some of the country’s worst affected.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the fallout from the COVID pandemic have been the two main factors contributing to this unprecedented rise in inflation. Companies have been forced to hike their prices in response to increased energy costs and shortages of goods and materials. Although this has pushed up the cost of living, this rise has not been paralleled with an adequate increase in wages. 

However, it’s not only workers who have been affected. University maintenance loans have only increased by a meagre 2.3%, well below the predictions of a 12% interest rate calculated by the Office for National Statistics last week. This cut in loans will see the poorest students £1200 less well off in the upcoming academic year. Combined with food prices at a 14-year high, rent increases and extortionate fuel bills, this will leave some poorer students to face extreme economic pressures. Many less privileged students do not receive financial support from family members and are left with no choice but to rely on demanding additional employment. 

Not only will this have a disproportionate effect on current university students from poorer backgrounds, but there is also no doubt that this inadequate government support will also discourage prospective students. For many, this real-term cut to maintenance loans will make university completely inaccessible. Alternatively, many young people will judge that it is most advantageous to go straight into employment, at great detriment to social mobility. 

Last week, the Government announced it will reduce student loan interest rates of recent graduates by 1%. This plan falls short in adequately supporting both graduates and current students; the latter of which will not be affected by this reform at all. Government support will be essential during the upcoming recession, and students should not be excluded. An initial demand should be to increase student maintenance loans to be in line with inflation. 

It is especially frustrating to know that while most of the population is struggling, buy-to-let investors, private equity investors and fuel companies are making extortionate profits. In its last quarter, BP’s profits were an eye-watering $8.45 billion. Fundamental changes have to be made. But in the meantime, students should not be punished. 

According to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the real-term value of Government student support is now the lowest in seven years. This has come alongside a hike in living costs, as the price of rent, food, travel, and energy bills have all increased. For students from low-income backgrounds, this will be extremely worrying, many of which already juggle stressful working hours with their studies.

Image Credit: Student Journey – University of Sunderland