Student life in times of social distancing: ‘My grandmother doesn’t mind talking to me on Skype, but not while Boer Zoekt Vrouw is on the telly’

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A lot of food is being prepared at Amay’s place. The psychology student was planning to throw a dinner party with some friends, but in the end, the only other person who shows up is her friend Britt, who also studies psychology. Even Amay’s flatmate isn’t there, because she is working at the hospital. “But we’ve been having more fun at home since the coronavirus outbreak because we’re both spending more time at home,” Amay says. “We have bought jigsaw puzzles and are trying to make the best of it.”

Britt’s social life has changed, too, due to the pandemic. “I wanted to go and see my grandmother, but she told me that wasn’t a good idea,” the psychology student says. “So now I’m getting to talk to her on Skype. Just not when ‘Boer Zoekt Vrouw’ is on the telly, because she wants to watch that.”

A bit lonely

The two fellow students are trying to live a somewhat normal life under the circumstances, but every now and then they will feel a bit bored and lonely. “What I’m doing all day is eat food, read a little, then have some food again,” Britt says with a smile. “Because basically, there is nothing else to do.” As far as that is concerned, Amay is luckier. “I work in customer service and can do my work from home,” she says. “I’m actually getting more hours now, so I’m earning more than I normally do.”

Since they are such good friends, they give each other a hug at the end of the evening. Do they have any physical contact with their acquaintances? “None at all,” says Britt. “I don’t do elbow greetings, either. I’d rather not touch them at all.”