‘It’s been a shambles from start to finish’: Meet the self-isolating Sheffield students

Cases of coronavirus are on the rise in Sheffield, with Sheffield University alone reporting almost 500 students testing positive since September 28.

In line with the government guidelines, this now means that hundreds of students in Sheffield are self-isolating either due to a positive test or coming into contact with someone with a positive test.

The Sheffield Tab spoke to some of the self-isolating students to see how they are coping and what they are up to…

Thomas, 3rd year, Uni of

Tom studies Computer Science Engineering and has been isolating for 9 days so far.

Why are you self-isolating?

“My housemates and I have been isolating because three out of six of us tested positive for coronavirus.”

What are you doing to pass the time?

“Mostly binge-watching Made in Chelsea lol and getting on with uni work.”

How is this impacting your university life?

“Online university isn’t what we signed up for and whilst the uni are clearly doing everything they can, it is not the same. Doing group work online is especially taxing.”

Do you think students in Sheff are being responsible?

“From what I’ve seen, students have been reasonably responsible. I can’t blame students for wanting to push boundaries as people still want their student experience.”

What are your thoughts on the government’s treatment of students during the pandemic?

“It has been a shambles from start to finish. The guidance has been at best, confusing and at worst, dangerous. Making students the scapegoat, when universities and the government encouraged our return, is a joke.”

What is the first thing you’re gonna do when you’re out of self-isolation?

“A big group trip to Aldi is the first thing on the agenda.”

Maddy, 2nd year, Uni of

Maddy is a Zoology student and has been self-isolating for eight days so far.

Why are you self-isolating?

“One of my friends tested positive and even though I have no symptoms I still need to isolate.”

What are you doing to pass the time?

“I’ve been getting on with my uni work but it’s unfortunate that I can’t attend my labs this week in person.”

Do you think students in Sheff are being responsible?

“People have been pretty good at sticking to the rule of six, before I was isolating I went out to West Street with five friends and it has all been well organised and within the rules”

What are your thoughts on the government’s treatment of students during the pandemic?

“I try not to think about it too much as I know the government is trying but everything keeps changing and you can’t really control every person. I’m fine as long as they don’t ban going home for Christmas.”

What is the first thing you’re gonna do when you’re out of self-isolation?

“Definitely go for a nice walk that ends at a pub.”

Christian, 1st year, Hallam

Christian studies Sports Coaching and has been isolating for four days so far.

Why are you self-isolating?

“90% sure I am positive, just waiting on my results. My friend tested positive and now I’ve developed symptoms.”

What are you doing to pass the time?

“Netflix and sleeping.”

Do you think students in Sheff are being responsible?

“No, but what can anybody expect? The 10pm curfew has just led to more house parties rather than staying socially distant in pubs.”

What are your thoughts on the government’s treatment of students during the pandemic?

“This is all being handled terribly. I’m confident that universities will be closed down soon. Why have the government made us pay fees knowing a second wave was going to happen?”

What is the first thing you’re gonna do when you’re out of self-isolation?

“I’m going straight to Sheaf Island.”

Maria, 3rd year, Uni of

Maria is a Genetics and Mollecular Cell Biology student and has a week left of self-isolation.

Why are you self-isolating?

“One of my close friends has tested positive for Covid-19 and I saw him not long before his positive test.”

What are you doing to pass the time?

“Aside from uni work, I’ve been binge-watching Gossip Girl, solving sudokus (grandma vibes I know) and Facetiming family and friends to feel less isolated.”

How is this impacting your university life?

“People from my department are being very helpful and trying their hardest to deliver lectures perfectly. Being on a science course which requires lab sessions was worrying but with the help of some course mates we can visualise the work.”

Do you think students in Sheff are being responsible?

“Some are being very responsible but I do personally think that some people can be selfish and not comply with regulations and selfishness is not what we need right now. Whether you agree with them or not, you have to follow the rules.”

What are your thoughts on the government’s treatment of students during the pandemic?

“I think the pandemic could definitely have been handled better, some of the rules just do not make sense to me or anyone. Every decision seems to be rushed but I suppose corona didn’t warn us before coming so that’s fair.”

What is the first thing you’re gonna do when you’re out of self-isolation?

“Anything outdoors related! Will probably see my mates and have a pint or few.”

Are you self isolating? Do you have any strong opinions or funny stories? Get in touch!

Other stories recommended by this writer:

• The new normal: How is the 10 pm curfew affecting Sheffield’s nightlife?

• A local lockdown in Sheffield is ‘inevitable’ warns health boss, as cases at uni rise

• We asked the freshers of Sheffield how they felt about starting uni in corona times