The COVID-19 pandemic affected university education systems worldwide. The impact was dramatic for institutions, academics and students seeking workable short-term solutions for online teaching and learning.
The unique challenges facing higher education encouraged DEN to seek opportunities to stay in contact with students through online channels. Through the academic initiative, we invited students to meet and organise feasible, appropriate projects at the time. Using Inside Westminster, we agreed that students will write an article and/or provide a 5-minute video reflecting on their experiences of Covid-19.
We encouraged students from all over the world to share their stories with one another, hoping this would provide a channel not only for learning but also for engaging with one another. Hence, the following articles in this section are students’ reflections/experiences of COVID-19.
In these past couple of years, we have suffered a substantial global crisis, and we had to come together to find the best possible solutions to survive. We had an unprecedented challenge that threatened to break the World as we know it, so we fought together, slowly coming out as the winning side. Or are...
It is so undeniably difficult to argue against the statement that the concept of change became one of the key concepts depicting the events of the recent two years. People are changing, cities are changing, the world is changing. Nevertheless, due to many factors, this change is experienced differently by different people. It won’t be...
Prior to starting my internship with Democratic Education Network (DEN), I only had a few ideas about it. I was involved in various projects, including the editorial of DEN’s annual book with a number of students. This academic year has been different, as teaching and learning has been virtual. During the first semester, I attended...
Adjusting and having to adapt to a new lifestyle with Covid-19 has not been easy, but I have learnt a lot. One word to describe my experience since the start of Covid-19 would be grateful. This period of uncertainty has taught me to be grateful, not only for a healthy life but family and loved...
The turn of a new decade saw the world come to a standstill as we witnessed the global spread of COVID-19. Due to the globalised nature of the world the novel virus initially discovered in Wuhan, China spread rapidly across the globe transcending state borders and control. While governments of all states are reacting to...
Tuesday 21 July 2020 2020, the start of a new beginning, a fresh start for many and a year thought to bring us hope and joy much like every other year. However, this year took a slight turn and since February things turned pretty sour. When the World Health organisation had declared the Coronavirus to...
This year I spent a lot of time in solitude, and I have learned how mentally and physically hard it can be. Still, there are so many people who lost their jobs, houses, and loved ones. When I think about it, there is still much to be cherished in my life; I am grateful to...
I clearly remember the time when I was preparing my application. From the very first day, I knew what I wanted. I wanted to study in the UK. After receiving acceptances from different universities, I had my eye on Westminster. I had heard about the diverse environment in this university, and the different social groups...
For most of us, the conditions of lockdowns and curfews imposed by governments across the world are new. From Wuhan to London, millions are struggling with the new normal: universities have had to switch online, employees work remotely and everyone remains inside as part of the government’s weak attempt to gain some control. For many,...
It is safe to say that the “Class of 2020 Experience” is quite unlike what other fresh graduates lived through when they finished their studies. After an exhausting dissertation and a nerve-wracking waiting period for one’s final results, the only thing soon-to-be graduates can look forward to is the celebration at the end of it...
At the start of lockdown, I was happy for someone who has social anxiety and having fewer social interactions felt like a positive thing. I am a key worker and was getting to work for free with far less people around than usual, so there was no pressure for me to go out and meet...