COVID-19 lockdown: Impact on college students' lives

Area of Science:

• Higher Education
• Public Health
• Psychology

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread university closures and shift to remote learning.
• Campus closures impacted students' employment, social networks, and overall well-being.
• University leaders face decisions regarding campus reopening and instructional modalities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To understand student responses to pandemic-related campus shutdowns and reopening.
• To assess psychological, physiological, academic, and financial impacts on students.
• To inform university leaders' decision-making processes for safe campus operations.

Main Methods:

• Online survey administered to 654 students at a large western university.
• Participants were recruited via email during the pandemic shutdown.
• Data collected on student experiences and perceptions.

Main Results:

• Students reported increased stress, depression, loneliness, and lack of motivation.
• Difficulties with focus, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and job loss concerns were prevalent.
• Most students desired campus return but showed mixed opinions on testing and mask mandates.

Conclusions:

• Transitioning to remote learning induced significant psychological and physical stress in students.
• Students expressed a strong desire for in-person campus experiences.
• Student willingness to adopt risk-reduction measures like testing and masks was inconsistent.