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Restrictions imposed since the Covid pandemic have altered the way we live in our cities. The temporary closure of facilities, cancellation of events and introduction of social distancing, have resulted in new inventive ways to explore a city and uncover its hidden gems.
So we've developed the Whatuni Covid City Explorer guides to help you adjust and explore in a new pandemic lifestyle. Whether you’re craving a socially distanced party, struggling to think of socially distanced games or are looking for things to do in lockdown, these guides will have you covered.
What's a Whatuni Covid City Explorer?
A Whatuni Covid City Explorer is a guide to what you can do in your chosen city in lockdown. For each city, we’ll delve into the hidden gems that can still be discovered, the best food options available in your tier, how to access a Covid test, how to keep social in-line with government rules, and how to keep both physically and mentally healthy throughout.
You can treat these guides as your own personal chaperone when getting to know your student city. With government advice changing weekly, we’ll continue to update these guides with new information on all things Covid, so you’re in the know.
What cities will we be exploring?
We’ll be covering some of the main UK cities:
Keep an eye on the above. As we create further Covid City Explorer guides, we’ll continue to add to the list!
Eat local
Now is an ideal time to make the most of the local cafes and restaurants in your area.
Although the restrictions have forced many places to temporarily close their doors, you can still support them by ordering takeaways from those that deliver. Across our Covid City Explorer guides, we will show you how you can find the best takeaways and restaurants near you, along with where to discover the best local delicacies and dishes.
Local businesses will need your support now more than ever, and the result could also mean some great discounts and deals for you!
What activities should you be doing during lockdown?
You can always find safe things to do in lockdown, no matter how restricted you may feel.
Although gyms and outdoor sports venues are now closed, make sure you’re active whilst being in-active. Signing up to a virtual yoga or pilates class, scouring social media for a quick 20-minute fitness workout or banging out some squats in your room are all accessible means of keeping fit. Alternatively, make the most of being able to go for a walk or run each day.
Remember that you are only able to exercise with those people within your household, those within your support bubble or 1 person from another household when you’re on your own - as long as you keep at a safe social distance.
The importance of exercise is largely due to its wellbeing component. Make time for activities that nurture your wellbeing. This doesn’t just have to be exercise, but could be as simple as reading your favourite book, making food, calling friends or getting creative. Alongside these, set aside some time to disconnect completely and be with your thoughts - through meditation, breathing or simply lying down.
As important as it is to be able to disconnect, it’s just as important to find ways to socially connect with others. Friends and family are a phone call or Zoom away. Whether you talk to them regularly, or haven’t spoken in a long time, don’t be shy to pick up your phone. You might find that they need a chat just as much as you.
Best virtual events UK
2020 gave rise to social distancing events. Outdoor gigs, socially distanced games and generally going to explore the great outdoors became the norm. Although the UK has found itself in another temporary lockdown in 2021, you can still get involved in socially distanced virtual events in the comfort of your own home.
Some of our top pandemic picks are:
- Physical exercise classes with YouTube’s Joe Wicks
- Live-streamed music events: On New Year’s Eve, Justin Bieber live streamed a concert to his fans, while Dua Lipa treated fans to a live virtual performance and chat just days before Christmas.
- Events with your mates: Try the Escape Room - murder mystery virtual event with live virtual actors. You can work in teams to find clues, examine evidence and unravel the mystery.
Many of us may have forgotten what it feels like to go to a gig or music festival, yet this hasn’t stopped artists from live streaming performances. Keep an eye on your favourite artists’ social media channels to see whether they have any virtual events coming up. Yes it’s not like being there in person, but you’ll still love hearing them perform live. Billboard has a regularly-updated list of upcoming livestreams and virtual concerts.
If you’re craving interaction with your friends while cooped up inside, why not organise a virtual event yourself. Play quizmaster and get everyone together for a session via Zoom, book in an Escape Room to test each other’s problem-solving skills or simply grab some beers and have a digital natter. You should also check out Meetup to see whether there are any meet ups with like-minded people happening in the near future.
All this being said, keep in mind that the UK’s current lockdown is temporary. Eventually, you can attend social distanced parties and events, play socially distanced games and go to outdoor gigs - all hopefully in time for Summer.
Best outdoor events in the UK
The current lockdown has meant that almost no outdoor events, be it community- or student-based, are currently able to take place. However, when restrictions do ease, students will have plenty to look forward to.
In the meantime, keep an eye on the digital events that are taking place in your local area.
Top wellness, health and fitness trends in the UK
Our number one pandemic pick for wellness, health and fitness was definitely any Joe Wicks workout videos!
2020 saw the likes of Joe host daily workouts across his social media, with countless other qualified trainers, professional athletes and fitness organisations providing free workouts for people to do in the ease of their living room. Taking part in live or recorded classes provides a sense of community when you feel stuck at home.
This change in the way we regularly exercise has made us rethink what it means to keep fit. You don’t need a gym or fancy equipment, as long as you have a bit of space in your home coupled with motivation. Doing physical activity has never been easier. If you get bored, you’ll be able to find thousands of new, alternative ways to exercise through the internet and social media.
It’s important to also incorporate going outside into your daily exercise routine. Whether you choose to go for a run in your neighbourhood, or take a stroll through a nearby park, the fresh air will be of incredible benefit. Your mood will improve, your concentration will sharpen and you’ll feel motivated with fresh ideas.
Social media and the internet are not only a treasure trove of fitness inspo, but food too. We all know someone who claims to have baked the world’s best banana bread, but there’s so much more you can do. Try some new foods you’re yet to unlock, test yourself with new recipes or even enroll in a virtual cooking class. Being in lockdown is a chance to evaluate your eating habits, to ensure they’re healthy, or to learn how to make your favourite restaurant meals at home.
Aside from eating well and keeping physically active, wellness encompases being mentally fit as well. No one’s mental health has been immune throughout this pandemic, and it’s really important that we talk about how we feel, seek advice and share support.
Mental health support
Wellbeing apps such as Elefriends, Headspace, What’s Up?, Calm and Aura provided wellbeing tips and meditation exercises for those needing a mental boost. Being stuck inside has reminded us of the importance of disconnecting, to give yourself time to think and slow down your pace of life.
If you’re seeking a deeper level of support, we also suggest checking out Student Minds. With a mission to provide student mental health support, they provide endless resources for whether you’re looking to help yourself, a friend, a parent or more specifically getting through Covid.
Influencers you should be watching
Below we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite vloggers and bloggers who continue to share how they’re navigating life underneath the latest restrictions.
- Joe Wicks: easily one of Britain’s most loved individuals of 2020, Joe has continued to provide daily exercise routines, wellbeing advice and much-needed motivation. Joe’s emphasis on positive living is contagious, no matter what age or creed you are.
- Charlotte Freeman (@momentaryhappiness): we all need a bit of calm amidst the storm of uncertainty currently. Charlotte’s blend of graphic design skill alongside her way with words provide the much needed reminders to relax and take each day-by-day. We suggest also checking out her groovy graphic design account @by_charlottefreeman if you really want to be aesthetically-pleased.
- Mei-Ying Chow: a student from King’s College London, Mei has racked up quite the following across both her YouTube and Instagram. She gives students an insight into how she’s spending her time, sharing study tips, taking you along a day in her life is like, how she’s keeping busy and what she's doing when not at uni.
You can contribute
What are the hidden gems within your city and where is safe to explore? We want to know the quirky inventive ways you’re spending your spare time and the delicacies you can’t get enough of!
There’s multiple ways to reach us. Don’t hesitate to drop us a message on our Instagram, Facebook or Twitter if you’ve got something to share. Otherwise, you can always find us at editor@whatuni.com.
Most important of all, stay safe. It’s not easy for any of us living in the UK right now, so make sure you’re doing what you can to take care of yourself and others. Tough times will always pass, and this shall too.
