Cleveland State University students are feeling increasingly isolated due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic but are finding ways to stay connected with peers despite the separation.

Cleveland State University’s campus closed indefinitely to prevent the spread of the coronavirus and keep the students and staff safe. The university moved classes online to deliver remote learning to students for the rest of the semester. Professors use video chat apps such as Zoom and Blackboard Collaborate to conduct lectures and contact students.

While classes can continue in the form of remote learning, students are not able to meet with friends and peers in person on campus. This has led many students to feel isolated during the statewide stay at home order.

Hana Shaheen, a junior promotional communication major, said the lockdown has been tough on her.

“As a total extrovert,"  she said, "I would say I feel extremely isolated. It's really difficult for me not to be able to see classmates, bump into friends or just have simple human interaction.” 

Kyle Pekar, a junior mechanical engineering major, said he is an introvert but still feels isolated.

“I do feel somewhat isolated, but I am a naturally introverted person, so it is not that bad," Pekar said. "There are a few people in particular that I miss being with.” 

Jason Cullinan, a junior psychology major, said his time is taken up by working in the online pickup and delivery department of Menard's home improvement store and his school work.

“I do feel isolated being away from school and being forced to stay home," he said. "I have only been able to go to work and back home. It makes it difficult for me to interact with friends when I barely get to see them.” 

Despite the distance, all these students have been able to keep in contact with friends and family in unique ways.

Shaheen said the app FaceTime has been helpful in keeping up with people close to her.

“FaceTime is something that my friends, boyfriend, family and I are really grateful for during this time," she said. "Although events, bars and basically everything is closed or canceled, communication isn’t! So, I'm continuing to call up a friend and check in.”

Cullinan said social media has been his primary way of communicating with friends.

“The restrictions make it limited to talk to friends other than social media outlets, phone calls, text messages, and work,” he said.

Pekar said that he socializes about the same amount as he did before the lockdown, but he uses video chat and texting more than he had.

Although there is a great amount of uncertainty surrounding the coronavirus and how the nation will move forward, Shaheen noted the importance of staying positive throughout the pandemic.

“I would just like to say, you're not alone," she noted. "This is a very, very scary time, something we all could collectively agree we would have never thought to happen. However, it's important to expand on the fact that you're not alone in this. The self-isolation can have a massive effect of one’s mental health, relationships, and friendships. However, I believe we should continue to keep positive mindset for our own well-being and remember, we'll get through it together.”

Students dealing with isolation and in need of support can contact the CSU Counseling Center at 216.687.2277 or online at https://www.csuohio.edu/counselingcenter/counselingcenter.