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As the month of March marked the five-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic reaching the United Kingdom, colleagues at Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) have shared their reflections on how the pandemic and its subsequent ‘lockdowns’ impacted our community, and how things changed as a result. 

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many unprecedented challenges, transforming the way students learned, colleagues worked, and we all connected. Like at institutions around the country, the staff at BNU had to work quickly to move to online learning and remote wellbeing support. Every area of the university was affected, with swift actions underpinned by a commitment to doing the right thing by our students. 

The lasting impact of COVID on people and society is well documented, and the way universities operate has undoubtedly changed as a result. 

Colleagues from around the BNU community have shared their reflections. 

Amy Pile, who is currently Bucks Students’ Union President but was a student at the time of the pandemic, said:

“There are so many great things to say about the nursing students who started their journey during the COVID-19 pandemic. I often got looks and comments like, “That was happening, and you still wanted to do it?” Yes, I did. But it wasn’t easy. Lockdown brought its ups and downs. I was lucky to have a garden and a family at home, but that also meant juggling my studies while my kids were online for their lessons; our Wi-Fi didn’t thank us for it- it was a very hectic household! There were times I felt lonely, and I think that’s why I threw myself into as many opportunities as I could.

“Placement was another challenge. Patients couldn’t have visitors, and you could see the pain that it caused. PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) was sparse, and at times, we had to improvise. I was also scared. Being asthmatic, the thought of contracting something that could cause severe respiratory issues was a constant worry. It was an emotional rollercoaster, but there were still moments of joy that reminded me why I chose nursing in the first place, whether it was holding someone’s hand to ease their loneliness or laughing and singing for those who wanted to hear a familiar voice.

“After graduating, I stayed at the University as an elected officer, and even though COVID was five years ago, its impact is still being felt. Financial hardship remains a huge issue, socialising has changed, and for many, interacting with others isn’t as easy as it used to be. The Students’ Union and the University continue to work together in many ways, providing as much support as possible and campaigning for change, especially for those struggling financially. I’ve seen first-hand the progress that’s been made, and I’m proud to have been part of it. But there’s always more to do, and I’ll continue to advocate for what students need.”

Andy Davies, International Student Support Advisor, said: “During the pandemic, I was working in the halls of residence, alongside the halls and accommodation teams, with colleagues from the Department for Student Success, to support students in halls following the lockdowns. After returning to BNU in 2023, I have seen how our student support services have grown and developed since the pandemic. We now have safeguarding officers and mental health advisors providing one-to-one support for students. Then there is also the addition of my role of international student support advisor, providing specialist support to our international student community. While Covid and the lockdowns may be over, it is clear that the impact on our students, who some grew up during this time, has had a lasting effect. Our award-winning services in DfSS will be there to support our students through their BNU journey.”

Dr Ciaran O’Keeffe, Head of School for Human and Social Sciences, said: “There is no doubt the pandemic changed the way we work…forever. Our immediate familiarity with online working during the pandemic has had a positive impact on education (and working). It has provided the flexibility needed as we now navigate a period when the “cost-of-living” has become a greater priority. 

“But this positive digital development has also raised a much-needed discussion about digital literacy. In 2021, Times Higher Education published a report about digital literacy in the UK in which they stated, “As institutions of higher learning, universities clearly have an important role to play in enhancing students’ digital literacy to endow them with readily transferable skills, attitudes, and ethics that prepare them for a workplace that is fast being transformed by technology.” This, then, is another positive – that the pandemic has made us question and be proactive in addressing digital literacy in its truest form. That it is not just about the technical, IT skills. But it is about developing students’ skills to be innovative and compelling communicators, to be developers of novel and imaginative projects, to be problem solvers and to use digital solutions. As HEI staff, we also have had to, and still continue to, develop these same skills.”

Margaret Rioga, who is currently Director of Student Success at BNU, but held the position of Associate Head of the School of Nursing and Allied Health at the time of the pandemic, said: “COVID-19 profoundly reshaped the learning experience for nursing students, fostering resilience, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of patient care in crisis situations. This unprecedented challenge not only enhanced their clinical skills but also strengthened their commitment to compassionate, evidence-based practice.”