Headline: How to Ease the Transition from Online to In-Person Classes

Author: Carolyn Hogg, Contributing Writer

ceh5530@psu.edu

With the fast-approaching date of February 15, the first day of in-person classes for Penn State, students from all over the globe are preparing to make the transition back to campus.

For some, the return to in-person schooling is a welcome relief from the countless challenges that arise when attending school online. For others, this could signify a stressful time of change that may interrupt the rhythm they just got comfortable with at home. Whether coming back to campus is a cause to celebrate or a cause to dread, it will certainly be a unique adjustment for each returning student. Here are six ways to help aid the transition process:

1. Prepare for a period of natural discomfort. Even welcome changes can cause some level of anxiety as one adjusts to new ways of life – this is healthy and normal! However, if these feelings become unmanageable or last longer than they should, it may be beneficial to seek out additional help from a counselor or a trusted friend.

2. Know which classes are online or in-person, and consider attending all the in-person options available. Most classes are specifically scheduled as online or in-person (or a hybrid of both), but some professors have small enough classes that they can offer optional days in which the student chooses to attend physically or not. If this is the case, take advantage of the opportunity to be in a physical classroom! Most professors prefer to teach their students face-to-face, and students often learn better this way.

3. When students return to school, they will have to adjust their daily schedules to the nuances of campus life, which may require more planning than their home schedules did. Be intentional about creating a schedule that allows for time to walk to classes, eat meals, study material, complete assignments, engage in self-care, and socialize with others. For instance, while rolling out of bed and into class may have worked for online classes, consider wearing pants to in-person classes!
4. Mentally prepare to be wearing masks and socially distancing far more than was necessary during online classes. Be aware of Penn State’s COVID-19 guidelines, and abide by them as much as possible in order to keep in-person classes a possibility.
5. As discouraging as these rules may feel, it’s still important to find ways to connect with others in a meaningful and safe manner. Get creative in discovering new ways to remain socially active! And if being reunited with friends is the primary focus of returning to campus, just remember to maintain a healthy balance of social and school time so as not to lose hard-earned momentum in classes.
6. While returning to in-person classes can pose both benefits and challenges during a time of COVID-19 limitations, arriving on campus with a positive and curious attitude can transform one’s experience for the better! Even if the situation doesn’t seem ideal, there is always a silver lining to be found; appreciate the simple joys of being in-person again and trust that these challenging circumstances won’t last forever.