How To Work From Home

In 2020, we have had to adapt in many ways, the biggest being working from home. I don’t know about you, but working from home for me was a very weird experience. Having work and school only a few feet from my bed made it hard to focus, but it was something we all had to learn. Working from home is a big adjustment, especially in college, which is why I asked those in the Admissions Welcome Center their tips and tricks for working from home.

What do you do before you go to school or work?

“I give myself a half hour to drink my coffee and go on my phone before I begin my day.” - Alyssa, Senior, CTG/Front Desk Specialist

I very much agree with Alyssa, I must have caffeine before I even open my laptop.

“Waking up, making my bed, brushing my teeth, making a cup of coffee and breakfast, getting dressed, brushing my hair/freshen up. Then I make a list of things I want to accomplish for the day and log on!” - Molly, Graduate Assistant

Having a set routine is a great way to stay on task. Taking time for self-care in the morning is a helpful way to prioritize yourself before the speed of the day catches up.

Where do you work?

Another very important thing about working from home is the location where you work. I worked from my bedroom and quickly found that it was very hard to focus (my pillows were calling me) so I switched to working in my basement. Having a separation between the place of rest and the place of work makes it easier to focus. Personally, I try not to even go to my room until I have a break, just like I would if I was going to school.

“In my bedroom or outside when the weather is nice.” - Corrine, Junior, CTG/Front Desk

Who says that your pretty view zoom background needs to be fake? As the weather warms, we can finally have class outside.

What are your "work from home" necessities?

Now you have completed your before-work tasks and found a place to work, but there is something missing. I can’t even tell how many times I have forgotten something at home while at work or school, but a great benefit of working from home is having all my knick-knacks I can’t fit in my bag at my desk. Personally, I always keep an abundance of journals, pens, and markers to stay organized, but my life changed with my whiteboard calendar that sits at my desk. Let’s see what our other staff member’s essentials are.

“I need a blanket and a glass of water and I am good to go.” - Myranda, Sophomore, Phone Bank

Always remember to be comfy especially when sitting in one place for hours.

“COFFEE, a bottle of water, and chapstick.” - Mayiah, Freshmen, CTG

“Definitely my baby Yoda slippers, comfy clothes, and blue light glasses so I don’t get a headache.” - Anna, Junior, Phone Bank

Another thing to remember is how much you’re staring at a screen and that your eyes need to rest. Make sure you are taking breaks from looking at the screen!

What is something that is always on your desk or near you while you work?

There is always something, it might be helpful, it might be necessary, but there is something that is always lurking while you work, and who said you have to do zooms alone? Check out what some of our staff says:

“My cats, Rogen and Franco, water, and blanket.” - Ashley, Admissions Advisor

Who said pets aren’t welcome on zoom? (Hint: NOT our Admissions team)

“While I am working, my dogs are always near me and sitting on my lap! I always have my headphones with me as well to listen to music if possible!” - Avery, Freshmen, Phone Bank

But if you’re like me and don’t have a pet you might have this situation::

“Tons of pens and pencils.” - Christina, Junior, CTG

Me too, Christina. Me too.

What is one tip you have for those working at home/online?

Working from home is hard. It is a learning process and it takes time to figure out, so here are some tips from our staff in the AVP office:

“Make your workspace separate from your relaxation space if you can. It helps you mentally separate those parts of your day.” - Alyssa, Senior, CTG/Front Desk

“I have tried out time lapsing myself while working because you can't use your phone during a time-lapse” - Lauren, Freshman, CTG

“Do not lay in bed while working, it only makes you sleepy, I learned the hard way.” - Myranda, Freshmen, Phone Bank

“Make sure you are organized and have designated spaces for working from home! Also make sure you take some time to go for a walk, sit outside, and get some Vitamin D if you're able!” - Molly, Graduate Assistant

To answer this question, remember that you are a person that requires rest and care. Working from home can make that very hard because it seems like there is no end to work, but there is, you have to make. The most helpful technique I have found is to look away from my screen. I try to write, read, talk to someone, or even just listen to music. Try disconnecting from tasks and connect with time.

A lot of things have changed, but it does not mean it should always be hard. I hope these tips will help you and leave you with some inspiration for your own work-from-home setups.