Face-to-face learning has returned in 2022! Sophie Jaggers recaps the atmosphere of Week 1, exploring the benefits of a return to on-campus life.

Uni has officially kicked off for 2022! The atmosphere of campus is tangibly different this year - with a lot of us returning to face-to-face (F2F) learning after two years of 'diverse learning structures', to put it nicely. Whilst Zoom learning has its pros, (I can no longer listen to my lectures like a podcast as I go about my day…perhaps more of a con than a pro), most students would agree that the benefits of being back on campus are unmatched.

Here's what we have to look forward to as on-campus life returns to UoN.

Uni Events

UoN has always been good at organising a diverse range of events throughout the uni year, even throughout our Zoom-learning days. However, there's nothing quite like the atmosphere of an in-person event, which a lot of us would have already experienced at this years' O-Week Expo (carnival rides were not part of my 2021 uni experience, I assure you).

An iconic part of UoN social events is of course, Bar on the Hill (BOTH). As well as being the centre of the UoN entertainment and music scene, BOTH runs nightly events for students, including bingo and trivia, as well as student nights (Wednesdays and Fridays). Keep an eye on the BOTH Facebook page to find out about upcoming events.

They may not be considered an 'event' by some, however, UoN is also known for its free sausage sizzles. Give UON Sausage Watch a follow to always be aware of your closest free lunch.

Social Life

While contributing to the quality of our learning and focus, the social aspect of being back on campus is unparalleled. Online learning can be an isolating experience. Before returning to F2F this semester, I hadn't fully appreciated the importance of classmates and random interactions with friends on campus in contributing to our social wellbeing and sense of connection. One of the best ways to meet people and socialise at UoN is by joining a club. There are a diverse range of clubs covering all sorts of interests at UON, from academic to social and sporting clubs. Become a Yak Social Member to get involved with our social events throughout 2022.

Motivation and Focus

Having our personal spaces double as our classroom/lecture hall has had a significant impact on our motivation and productivity. Getting out of the house makes you feel like you've accomplished something for the day, especially when rolling out of bed to join a Zoom tutorial is no longer an option. Additionally, without the ability to turn your camera off and hide behind a screen, F2F learning encourages class engagement and discussion, enhancing our learning experience. The format of online learning formalises every interaction, with a return to campus allowing more authentic and valuable interactions with our tutors and peers that were once restricted to breakout rooms and emails.

UoN is a fantastic community, with so many opportunities to get involved both academically and socially.

Enjoy Semester 1 and the day-to-day uni experiences we've missed for so long!

Feature Image by Pixabay from Pexels