Home Edition 03
Show Us Your Studio - 2021
Here we are again! Twelve months on we’re all back at home making the most of our impromptu studio setups! With Crit Weeks coming up quickly, we thought we would touch base with different people around the country to see how they’re making it work!
This week, Cecilia and Rohan from Unitec share their experience.
Cecilia Kuang | 1st Year Unitec
What is the biggest challenge in adapting to working from home?
Definitely trying to stay focused on the zoom meetings and lectures! At home, there are more distractions than being physically at uni. It’s tough not falling behind; Lockdown feels like a holiday, I just have to make sure to manage my time wisely.
What are some lessons you've learnt from last year's level 4 lockdown?
I wasn’t studying last lockdown in level 4, all I did was play games, played with lego, cooked and tried baking (better at cooking than baking! It is something to do with the measuring!!). But it was also during level 4 lockdown I decided to go back to study and do Architecture.
Also, talking to people outside your bubble helps keep me sane. Playing ‘Jackbox’ or just Facetime wine-nights; these help me a lot. Of course, exercising! (Go at off-peak hours, the roads are quiet. I live opposite a reserve and have never seen it so busy in my life!)
What is something you’ve enjoyed about working from home?
It’s cheaper! I’m not tempted to buy food from uni, and the zero commute helps a lot with the bank. Can’t complain about the sleep-ins either.
I am really enjoying my studio and the group sessions we have. We usually just end up catching up with each other, getting ideas and having a break. In class sometimes it is hard to talk to everyone but on zoom it’s easier as you can sit and do work but talk as well, while seeing everyone on camera.
I have bonded more with my class group which I really like, and I am sure after this lockdown we will be even closer!
Rohan Sadhu (& Arya!)| 3rd Year Unitec
What is the biggest challenge in adapting to working from home?
Time runs out quickly! Working, sleeping and living in the same spaces really makes me lose my sense of time, and routines are difficult to track. Sporadic bursts of energy and creativity are the only way I can keep up with uni work.
What are some lessons you've learnt from last year's level 4 lockdown?
Get outside! There’s almost nothing that a walk can’t fix when you’re cooped up inside and stressed all day. Also, tutors and friends have always been available to me for feedback, help, or even to simply ease the tension. Reaching out to them has been a blessing.
What is something you’ve enjoyed about working from home?
With four busy schedules during the semester, I don’t get to spend much time with my family. Lockdown – albeit forcibly – has allowed us to relax more together, walk the dog, and help each other get through this stressful time.
