Being a college student at any point of your life is stressful. Adjusting and adapting to classrooms, professors, the student body, and of course, working toward a degree takes time, and there are things students can do to set themselves up for success. However, since March 2020 students have had to adjust and adapt – not only to a worldwide pandemic but, most importantly, to virtual delivery of their classes during the unchecked spread of that pandemic. 

  Most students have the basic necessities to be successful in their college career, such as a backpack, notebooks, pens and pencils, and either a laptop or a tablet to help them take notes or access online resources. Many students realized they could still use those tools to survive college when a quarantine caused by the COVID-19 virus shut down CSU Bakersfield three months into the Spring 2020 semester. Although some students found it difficult to maintain academic success when CSUB switched to distance learning, others were able to adapt and succeed. Some of those who adapted made some investments for their education, such as the purchase of technology or a change in academic mindset. 

   Some students found distance learning easy because they were already familiar with taking classes online. Senior Allison Fields took several online courses at Bakersfield College prior to transferring to CSUB. During her first semester at CSUB in Fall 2019, she took an online class in addition to the in-person courses that shaped her campus experience.  

   “It was easier for me to adapt to having to schedule my own work time and navigate through courses,” Fields said. 

   For Fields, distance learning helped her with time management and to stay on top of her assignments. For others, some adjustments were needed. Percy Ednalino, a CSUB alum, also took an online course during his first semester on campus – Fall 2019. When he heard that CSUB was switching to distance learning several weeks into the Spring 2020 semester, he said he felt “very depressed” that his campus experience was about to change. Both Fields and Ednalino said they had the things they needed to be successful but some investments were made, such as a desk, PC cameras, access to WiFi, and headphones to help them study and follow along with Zoom lectures. 

   Like many students, they experienced zoom fatigue and struggled to find motivation to survive Zoom university. Investing in material things was important, but so was investing in one’s mental well-being in order to be successful.  

   “If it wasn’t for a few friends I was able to lean on during distance learning, classes would have been very hard,” Ednalino said. 

   It is very hard, even today, to not fully check-out during a Zoom lecture and find the means to do more online work. Fields had to “create a routine within a routine” because Zoom burnout was happening way faster than she has anticipated, and she struggled with coming back out of the burnout. 

  Life does not stop for college students. Successful students must overcome a lot in the pursuit of their degrees. Fields and Ednalino offer some suggestions that aided them during this trying time, and those who are new to the Runner family may find the tips especially helpful: 

-Take advantage of the programs that the campus offers 

-Try to find ways to be on campus whenever possible 

-Write down all assignments and due dates from your course syllabi  

-Focus on a subject or a class each day so you don’t overwhelm yourself 

-Create your own space for learning – preferably one with few distractions  

-Also include things you enjoy in your learning space so it provides you with some peace of mind 

-SPEND TIME OUTSIDE WHENEVER YOU CAN; GET SOME SUN 

-Don’t overwork yourself 

-Email professors and classmates with any questions you may have 

-Try to be early to your classes, both in-person and online 

-Don’t get lost in side conversations via chat on zoom 

-Do the assignment, even if it is due in two hours, because turning in “something is better than nothing”