Welcome to the Homeschool Column, where we check in on QUT students and how they’re doing studying from home! Today, we’re checking in with one of our editors, Anahita Ebrahimi, on how she’s working through university at home. If you’re interested in submitting your own, please email your answers to the following questions, as well as a couple of pictures of your life at home to media@qutguild.com to be featured.
What’s your name and what do you study?
My name is Anahita and I’m a Law and Creative/Professional Writing student at QUT. I’m in my fifth year but I won’t be graduating until the end of 2022 (hopefully).
What does a typical day at home look like for you?
If I have work, I’ll wake up at 7:30. If it’s a day off then I’ll wake up whenever the neighbour’s dog starts barking. I’m not a morning person and I’m not a fan of breakfast so I’ll start the day with coffee and a shower. I’m working from home now and usually finish around 5. Once I clock off, I’ll try and go for a walk when the sun goes down (I’m not a huge fan of sunshine either). I’m looking forward to the cooler months ahead.
I take it pretty easy on my days off, so each day is pretty different. I’ll either reorganise my closet, cook, read a book (Wuthering Heights ATM), or watch Netflix in bed. I’m in the middle of home renovations – I can’t wait for it all to be finished by the time iso is done and I can have some friends over.
Tell Glass about what’s going well with home study:
Like a lot of students, I’m finding that I have lot more time on my hands because I don’t have to commute anymore. It’s nice to be able to pace myself a bit more. My Writing for Publication class is putting together a magazine so I’m having a bit of fun with that. I’d be lying if I said I was up to date with my lectures and tutorials but I am feeling a lot less stressed this semester compared to previous years. My tutors have been very supportive throughout the rapid changes.
I try not to study until the after 10pm because I always want to end of the day with something relaxing. That way I wake up in a better mood.
What are you struggling with?
Now that both my jobs, my uni work, and my leisurely writing takes part in the same space, I’m not loving sitting in the same spot for extended periods. The feeling of uncertainty is also stressful – not knowing where you’ll be in a few weeks or months in terms of employment.
Are you working on a hobby or interest while in isolation?
At the moment, I’m focusing on cooking and baking, namely trying new dishes that I don’t usually make. Pre-isolation I was eating out a lot which wasn’t very healthy. I still go and treat myself to my favorites though! I love Scout Café in Petrie Terrace, Da Burger in New Farm and La Quinta Café & Bar in Bulimba.
I’ve also been trying to come up with some fun activities for the QUT Lit Salon with the rest of the team. Our salons are on hold indefinitely, but we still want to keep in touch with the Brisbane writing scene and encourage students to get involved.
What are you listening to right now?
I’ve been listening to some Placebo, Bring Me the Horizon, Amity and Billy Idol.
If you were going to give students one piece of advice, what would it be?
Honestly just to take it easy (on yourselves and those around you). Everybody’s going through some changes in their lives so try and be patient and mindful of your interactions. Make sure you utilize the resources available to you, such as the QUT Advocacy page. The QUT Guild did a Q&A with our Academic Advocates which is on the Guild’s Facebook page – I highly recommend you watch that if you are feeling a little lost with university.
