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The global pandemic has greatly changed the way people go about their lives. A lot of systems and industries had to change since physical interaction has been deemed a risk. 

Schools were hit hard by the pandemic with most schools closing for on-site classes. Because of this, new protocols and changes have been in place for the incoming batch of university students for 2021. Here is what you need to know.

Holding classes online

With in-person teaching being discouraged due to the pandemic, college campuses around the world moved most classes to online lectures. Considering that most of the world has yet to receive a vaccine, expect online classes and lectures to continue. While every campus has its own rules of holding in-person classes, be prepared to have some, if not all of your classes, to be online. 

Have a laptop and steady internet connection ready. If you do not have one or both, try contacting your college to see how they can help you. Some schools offer lessons on a USB stick so you do not have to always be online, while others even let you rent a laptop. 

If you are the type of college student who thrives with in-person interaction and is not sure how well you will adapt to an online setting, try using study organization apps to help improve your studying experience. 

Protocols for on-campus learning

While some campuses may stick to an online-only set-up for the next year, some campuses are slowly releasing plans on conducting in-person classes. 

Each campus has its own rules for in-person classes so ask your university to see what the protocols are. If you are going to take in-person classes this school year, know that there will be a lot of changes. 

Expect to be tested for COVID-19 constantly. You will most likely be required to wear a mask and practice social distancing. On-campus parties may no longer happen as mass gatherings most likely will be banned. The university might even require you to download a contact tracing app or an app related to keeping track of student body movement.

Making the perfect college application 

Before you can think about how college is going to be in 2021, you first need to get into one, and that starts with a perfect college application essay. If you want to get into the university of your choice, you have to stand out in an essay that reflects skills and shows them why you deserve the spot. 

If you do not know where to start, try using https://writix.co.uk/personal-statement-help for personal statement assistance. The professional writer service from Writix, which is the best academic writing service will provide you the perfect essay and personal statement that will help you a lot.

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In-campus dorms and other facilities 

If you plan on staying in a dorm or student housing on campus, there are a few things you need to know. If you are coming from somewhere far, you probably will be asked to take a COVID-19 test and quarantine for two weeks before you are allowed around campus. 

Rent might become an issue for you if you cannot get a part-time job to pay it off, so talk to your university’s housing services to see if there are ways to help in that. Big social gatherings will also be banned, so do not expect to be able to congregate with a lot of your fellow dormers in one room. 

There will also be rules in place when it comes to shared amenities like the cafeteria to limit how many people can be in it and what you can and cannot do while inside.

Traveling abroad to study

International travel has changed a lot over the past year. If you are going to study abroad, there are a few things you will have to do before you are allowed entry into a country. Most countries allow students to travel abroad to study, but they also have rules in place that vary depending on the country. 

Most countries will require a negative COVID-19 test and a student visa. You will also be required to quarantine in a hotel. Check the rules of the country you are going to study in to see what you need to prepare for.

Conclusion

Entering a university can be a nerve-wracking experience. The feeling you get of being on a big campus with so many different people. With the new rules and restrictions in place because of the pandemic, incoming university students in 2021 are in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In 2021, these are the changes you need to expect as you enter university. 

Author’s Bio

Helen Birk is a Jill of many words and her portfolio makes it quite evident. She’s a social media influencer, provides online admission guidance to international students who wish to study in the US and UK and writes academic papers as a freelancer. She is developing an online course on writing and editing for students and plans to release it next month.