Working from home and keeping positive

We know completing your studies at home might be difficult and will take some getting used to. This is a difficult transition and you may have a lot of worries and concerns. We just want you to know that we are here to support you every step of the way so that you achieve the best you can. If you feel stressed, anxious, worried or isolated, there is lots of support available to you, so make sure you speak to someone. It’s really important that if you are struggling, you reach out and let someone know.
Below are some useful tips to help you whilst working from home. If you want to see how other students are finding this new way of working, read Alice Okunowo’s experience.

Help with being productive and using a timetable 

It can be really difficult to be productive when working from home, as there are a lot more distractions and it’s easy to get side-tracked. If you are struggling with self-motivation, try to work for shorter periods of time and take frequent breaks. Make sure you are eating and drinking frequently too, so you are getting the energy you need! Read our blog for tips to study at home to help you feel more energised.

LinkedIn Learning also has lots of useful resources to help you manage your time and work effectively at home.

If you want a timetable – without having to create one – use this useful planner to help you plan ahead. You can also add in your coursework deadlines below so that you don’t have to keep checking your calendar!

Keep in contact

As Alice has found, the most difficult element of studying at home is dealing with the isolation. To help you feel more connected, make sure you keep in regular contact with others
. For example, set up a ‘Teams’ or ‘Zoom’ video chat with other students from your course. Seeing others on video will help you to feel less isolated. You don’t always have to have a reason to call someone, you can reach out for just a chat if you feel like it!

This is a time where we need to support one another! Our new Facebook support group is now available. For students who are self-isolating or feeling lonely on campus, this group will provide support from our Wellbeing team as well as ideas for activities, online games, and watch parties to stay connected and more.

Make sure you ask for help if you need it. Tutors and support staff are there to help you, so don’t be worried about not being able to see your lecturers face-to-face as they are still there to support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you are worried. I’m sure many of them would be happy to get in contact via video chat if you find this easier.

Student wellbeing 

It is so important, when working from home to make sure you prioritise your health and wellbeing, as long periods of solitary work and screen time can become overwhelming. We are always here to support you, so if you feel anxious or concerned please visit our Student wellbeing pages for advice and support.

If you are suffering with mental health, please reach out to the university’s wellbeing services. It is very important that you speak out if you are struggling. We are here for you.

If you are still on campus, wellbeing services are available 24/7 by contacting security on 01707 281010. You can also access a one-off same-day appointment with the wellbeing team by emailing deanofstudents@herts.ac.uk

Mind also has some useful tips for anyone who is feeling anyone who is feeling anxious or worried during this time. They also provide games and puzzles for you to distract yourself and breathing exercises to help you relax.

Helpful pastimes 

Reading: 

Reading can be a really helpful way to relax and take your mind off things. So, why not start a new book in your spare time? Alice has recommended ‘Open: How asking for help can save your life’ by Frankie Bridge, which is available here. It is also available as an e-book if you find this more convenient.

Deep breathing exercises:

Alice has mentioned that deep breathing exercises have really helped her to stay calm. There are lots of resources online that provide you with different breathing and relaxation techniques. Some of them are listed below:

1. As previously mentioned, Mind have some breathing exercises available on their website to help you relax.

2. The NHS have put some breathing exercises together for stress and anxiety.

3. Headspace has lots of good breathing exercises, so you can find what suits you!

4. Students against depression has some good techniques to teach you how to breathe (sounds silly but sometimes we forget!)

5. If you want more than a simple breathing exercise, try Yoga with Adrienne. Her videos are free and you can watch them on her YouTube. There are shorter practices (around 10 minutes) and longer versions (up to 45 minutes).


We are here to support each and every one of you, so if you are struggling remember we are here for you! We know the transition to online learning won’t be easy for a lot of you, but we will do our best to give you the support you need and make the transition that little bit easier.

Remember to take care of yourself and others, your health and wellbeing is what matters most!