We are experiencing uncertain times in the world right now. The coronavirus pandemic is changing the way that everything in society is working, from the way that we are able to study to how and whether we can work – and going to the supermarket – well, that is an experience that we had never imagined a year ago.

Whether you are still living in halls, in a shared house or have moved back in with family, navigating the challenges that life is throwing at you at the moment – whilst preparing for the next few years of your life isn’t easy. What should you be doing? What shouldn’t you be doing? And what will happen when all of this is over?

Think about Work
If you have recently graduated or are still studying, you can always be preparing for going out to work – even if you’re not sure what you want to do. In fact, this is the ideal time to try to work out what you do want to do.

According to Glide – student utility bill provider, “Start by researching sectors that are related to the course you study or even your hobbies- if you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life, as they say. Make a list of all the companies that most appeal to you and get in touch with them. Whether it’s for work experience, advice or even mentor-ship.”

Depending on the business, you might find that they have a little more time on their hands and will be therefore more forthcoming with information for you.

Let your imagination run wild, reach out to people and start forging those relationships – you never know, it might pay back at the end of all this.

It is also worth bearing in mind that for some businesses this will be a very busy time, so if they don’t get back to you straight away give them some time.

Applying for Jobs
The job market is a strange one at the moment. Some businesses are completely overwhelmed and looking to recruit more staff, whilst others are avoiding hiring new people altogether. This will probably mean that now isn’t a great time to apply for career jobs. However, you are able to apply for jobs as ‘key workers’ – as a delivery driver, carer, or in a supermarket, for example. This means that you can earn some money, as well as help to do your bit for the national effort.

If you already had a job and have been furloughed during this time, it is important to remember that you are allowed to apply for other jobs as long as it doesn’t clash with your existing work hours or go against your contract.

The likelihood is that when the lockdown is over and businesses can start to get back to normal, jobs will become available again, so make sure that you are ready!

Get your CV Sorted
One of the best things that you can do if you have some time on your hands is to get your CV in order. If it is well written and up to date, you will be ready to tweak it and then send it straight off when the perfect job for you comes up.

You could also investigate how to write a dazzling personal statement that will stand you out from all of the other candidates.

Study
Although you might not be physically in your classes – or even close to your university you should carry on studying as much as you can. Many universities will be considering how they are still able to assess their students remotely, and so it is important for you to carry on studying to ensure that you do the best that you can when you are assessed.

It can be harder to stay motivated during lockdown, so here’s a few tips that may help:

• Get up at a decent time, get dressed, and make a healthy breakfast. If you treat your day like a work day, you’ll find it easier to get things done.
• Try not to work from bed, as you’ll feel more lethargic. Instead, create a study space that’s distraction free, and keep everything by you so you don’t have to keep getting up.
• If you’re feeling lonely or want to make your study sessions more fun, host a video call with your friends so you can share ideas, help each other with any questions, and motivate yourselves.
• Take regular breaks. An example would be to work for 50 minutes, and break for 15.

General Well-Being
Although this is just a temporary blip in your life both as a student and in general, your absolute focus should be on getting through it and staying fit and healthy. This means looking after your physical and mental health.

Trying to get your daily exercise, keeping in touch with friends and loved ones, keeping your mind occupied, spending a bit of time each day doing something that you enjoy, and trying to establish a routine into your daily life are all good ways to help you to stay healthy during the lockdown.

Most student support services will still be available and if they aren’t, your university should be able to point you in the direction of some that are.

The COVID-19 pandemic is shaking up the world in a way that we’ve never seen before. Although things might be different, strange and worrying it is important to remember that we are all going through similar experiences and you are not alone. By preparing yourself for after lockdown ends you can have a focus now and be ready to launch when the time comes.