College Students’ Adaptations of Activities and Experiences During the Pandemic Occupational Disruption

Abstract

During life disruptions, people adapt their activities responding to environmental stressors, resulting in new routines that support well-being. To explore college students’ daily life experiences during the pandemic. Thirty students completed three time-use diaries, and responded to a survey on activity change during Coronavirus Disease 2019, satisfaction with social/leisure occupations, and well-being. Survey questions, duration of activities, and levels of were analyzed across 3 days. Exercise, school, socializing, and work were the most changed, often eliminating the activity, or modifying the activity, social context, or location. Time-use data indicated participants engaged in similar types of activities compared with nonpandemic times, but experienced different levels of pleasure and productivity related to some activities. Participants adjusted their activities/experiences to support their well-being. Examination of students’ occupations and experiences uncovered the dynamic interaction between all levels of context—the macro (pandemic) and the micro (place to study).

Plain Language Summary

How College Students Day-to-Day Activities Changed During COVID-19

Time use and survey date were gathered from 30 college students over 3 days during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most changed activities reported were exercise, school, socializing, and work. While participants reported they engaged in similar activities as in nonpandemic times, they reported different levels of experiences in some. For example, on average students did not report feeling as restored by their sleep but experienced more enjoyment taking care of self. Participants adapted all of their activities in one way or another; changing when, where, and how activities were performed. These adaptations may have allowed participants to continue engagement in their meaningful activities that help define who they are, during what was a stressful and disruptive time. Overall participants adjusted their activities to support their overall well-being.