Due to COVID-19, University of Seoul (UOS) decided to adopt a non-contact class system for almost all lectures in 2021. This came as a disappointment to new students who enrolled in the school in 2021. I also entered the school expecting an interesting campus life, but there were many restrictions. However, the fun and merits of non-contact campus life were evident. Therefore, as a senior who joined last year and experienced the online classes, I would like to give the new students some tips for this semester.

Non-Contact Campus Life Tips

- your manners during the lecture

This is the easiest and most basic rule. However, after taking online lectures for a year, it was not maintained as I had expected. Some students acted rudely, such as taking classes while taking a stroll or eating cup noodles. Such behavior disappoints the professor who is passionate about the class, and fellow students might also feel uncomfortable. The best feature of online lectures is that students can listen to them anywhere, without space constraints. Maintaining manners in class is the most basic and important thing, and I hope that the freshmen will conduct themselves accordingly.

- Zoom to meet friends

It is true that there is a relatively lesser scope of meeting classmates because of online lectures. However, it can yield good results if used in other ways. Zoom is an application that is typically used for real-time video conferencing. Last year, I brewed some beer, sat in front of my laptop, and played Mafia, which is a game, on Zoom. It was a little awkward to talk online at first, but playing games made me feel like meeting my classmates in person, and it was fun. If freshmen want to get to know each other more closely, I recommend this method to them. It was a special experience that could only be done online.

- an application to manage your calendar or use a study planner

Owing to online classes, the proportion of assignments is larger than exams in most classes. Each class has a different deadline to submit assignments. Hence, knowing the schedule accurately is vital. Particularly, since each assignment varies during the exam period, you may misunderstand the submission period or forget a task. Therefore, it is better to use time efficiently by using a study planner and an application that manages schedules. I used to make a ‘to-do list’ on paper. Throughout the previous year, I made this a habit, and I submitted all the assignments without mistakes. This method could help freshmen who are not familiar with online classes to complete their assignments and study thoroughly.

- e-books from UOS central library website

Since freshmen would not get to go to UOS, they will not have many opportunities to borrow books from the central library. Therefore, I recommend borrowing e-books, which can be done through UOS central library website. Up to five books can be borrowed, and more than 10,000 different genres of books can be read. Books from relevant fields can be read on tablets, PC’s, or mobile phones, and they also help with assignments. I hope the freshmen start reading e-books and build their knowledge during these circumstances when they do not need to go out.

- a campus tour alone

Last year, I did not go to school very often, so when I was looking for a building to take a test in, I wandered around and could barely begin the test on time because I could not find the correct exam location using the cell phone map. Therefore, if it is mandatory to go to school to take an exam, it is better to reach the premises well in advance and locate the building. Additionally, the reason why I recommend touring the campus alone, and not with friends, is that this way, the surrounding environment can be enjoyed better. Further, it is easier to be alive to the wonderful scenery all around while walking alone. The flowers blooming in front of the music building are pretty, so I recommend taking pictures there.

These tips would help freshmen have a fun and fruitful college life despite online classes. Difficulties in concentration and laziness are a possibility when the lectures are online, but this can be overcome with proper planning and adapting to online lectures. We welcome new students who enrolled themselves during such difficult times.