CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Students at Iowa Valley Community College are facing challenges this year as they search for employment after graduation, on top of the isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Isolation and uncertainty from pandemic conditions have denied students a traditional college experience this year.

“Campus has been very quiet,” Angie Redmond, Marshalltown Community College Dean of Enrollment and Student Life said. “The students that were here this fall really did not have a true college experience. They are unable to connect with their peers, meet new people and engage on campus.”

Redmond said a student is more likely to succeed academically if they are engaged on campus, but COVID-19 has put most student engagement opportunities to an end.

Adjusting student life programming to a completely virtual experience this semester, Redmond said social activities through Zoom and in-person classes where students are masked lack immediacy of response and intimacy.

Unable to see facial expressions, spontaneous interaction between students is challenging and names become harder to remember.

“It just isn’t the same,” Redmond said. “You feel like you’re talking to eyes, you really don’t have that engagement with the student’s face or having a connection with them.”

Without access to their usual social activities, bored college students have more time for lounging around and overthinking during a period of increased uncertainty.

The college has received a greater number of self-referrals to their Student Assistance Program, a free campus based mental health service accessible by walk-in appointments or email.

Coordinator of the Student Assistance Program Nancy Adams said she has seen an uptick in anxiety and depression in the program since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Contributing stress factors include boredom due to lacking physical, social and creative outlets during a prolonged season of isolation, uncertainty about the future, being away from family and pressure to learn in a new way.

“The sources of anxiety for college students mimic what the rest of us are going through,” Adams said. “It’s not surprising students are facing these challenges, but they have the added factor of not having their usual support systems.”

Adams said some students chose not to visit family on weekends or over holidays to prevent spreading COVID-19, missing an opportunity which historically rejuvenates motivation in college students upon return from break.

Nick Calzada, a licensed independent social worker contracted for Marshalltown Community College, said pandemic related mental health effects are new territory for everyone.

Additionally, they are an added layer of concern for college students experiencing common issues such as stress from meeting deadlines, balancing work with school, future regarding their job market and being away from home for the first time.

“A lot of times when we face something uncertain or unknown, it naturally causes an increase in anxiety symptoms,” Calzada said.

Increased anxiety can lead to poor sleeping habits, change in appetite, excessive worrying, poor time management and a feeling of hopelessness or helplessness.

Adjusting to college during a pandemic may cause students to experience anxiety for the first time, and validating one’s feelings is important, Calzada said.

“You let them know, ‘Hey this is okay. This is natural. This is something that is uncertain and unknown,'” Calzada said.

During the pandemic, Calzada suggests staying as connected as possible with family and friends online, investing in creative interests and hobbies, while also staying active with exercise.