Here at UNiDAYS, students are at the heart of our global community. And amid the chaos of COVID-19, we imagine how tough it must be to be in your shoes right now. Classes and study abroad programs have been cancelled, festivals and sports are cancelled, and you’re probably left thinking… What now?

We’re not medical experts, but one thing we do know about is student life. So, in light of this strange time we’re all living through, here are some resources and tips to help you handle the Coronavirus outbreak.

A (brief) student’s guide to COVID-19:

1. Wash your hands.

According to the CDC, frequent and thorough hand washing is one of the best defenses against contracting the virus. Wash your hands after going out in public and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. The CDC recommends washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Pro tip: Sing the lyrics to the first 20 seconds of your favorite song while you wash! Can you guess our fave?

2. Practice social distancing.

"Social distancing" is a term that epidemiologists have coined to encourage people to avoid close contact between one another (in an effort to reduce the spread of Coronavirus). Depending on your situation and community, you may want to limit gathering in public places, especially in large groups.

According to the CDC, healthy individuals (i.e. people without pre-existing conditions) are at a lower risk for personally suffering severe illness from the virus, and therefore don't need to put themselves on lockdown. Nonetheless, healthy individuals do need to alter their daily lives to mitigate risk of exposing others who might be more vulnerable such as the elderly or those with existing conditions. While each person’s situation varies, care should be taken to maintain distance between individuals whenever possible.

3. Find ways to pass the time.

Whether your uni is closed, you’re working from home, or you’re on lockdown, you’re probably starting to get a little stir crazy. Now’s the perfect time to catch up on your favorite Netflix series, read a book (or 2 or 3), try a new recipe, learn a language or a new instrument, orstart an at-home workout routine. Check out Buzzfeed’s guide to preparing for the Coronavirus, and tune into Instagram, Snapchat, and other online communities where people are rallying together.

4. Communicate.

Utilise every resource you have, but don’t overdo it. There’s a lot of information out there, and it can be really overwhelming. Be aware that some of it is false, too.

For the most up-to-date and accurate information, we recommend going to the New Zealand Ministry of Health's website

5. Keep calm and know this will pass

Look at it this way: Social-distancing and quarantines are tough, but they’re also an opportunity to improve yourself and take a break from everyday life. Take this time to catch up with friends and family via FaceTime or other electronic means. This will help keep your mind off the virus, and most importantly, it will remind you that you’re not alone.

It’s hard to manage a situation that none of us have experienced in our lifetimes, but we hope that you’ve found this helpful nonetheless. It’s times like this in history where it’s better to stick together (even if it’s at the recommended 1 metre apart 😅) than to brave it alone.

Please share with your fellow students, family, and friends, and be sure to continue following our channels. If UNiDAYS can help in any situation, please do not hesitate to reach out at support@myunidays.com.