{"id":2687,"date":"2020-03-24T16:56:56","date_gmt":"2020-03-24T16:56:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/host-students.com\/uncategorized\/staying-connected-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak\/"},"modified":"2025-10-09T08:22:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T08:22:25","slug":"staying-connected-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/host-students.com\/information\/university-students\/staying-connected-during-the-coronavirus-outbreak\/","title":{"rendered":"Staying connected during the coronavirus outbreak"},"content":{"rendered":"

Due to the global coronavirus pandemic, people are being told to stay indoors and avoid contact with others. Meaning whether you\u2019re at home or still living at your student accommodation, you will have friends and family members who you won\u2019t be able to see over the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

But just because you can\u2019t see them in person, it doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t see them at all. Thanks to technology, you\u2019re able to keep in touch with, and check in on your loved ones, in a variety of ways.<\/p>\n

1. Video calls<\/h3>\n

\"man-video-calling-on-mobile-during-coronavirus\"<\/p>\n

Video calls are probably the closest you\u2019ll get to having a face-to-face conversation with someone, without being with them in person during this coronavirus outbreak. And as long as you\u2019ve got an internet connection, you can dial into a video call for free.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve got an Apple device, Facetime<\/a> is a favourite. For those using Android, Google Duo<\/a> is a great option. But if all else fails, you can\u2019t beat a classic Skype<\/a> call. Skype can be used on any smart device as well as a desktop or web browser, and you can have up to 50 people dial into a call at once!<\/p>\n

So, what are you waiting for? Find a convenient time to connect with your pals and get chatting in real-time.<\/p>\n

2. Group chats<\/h3>\n

\"whatsapp-group-chat\"<\/p>\n

Ok, so you can\u2019t expect everyone to be connected in real-time, on video calls, all of the time. That\u2019s why sometimes, having conversations over messages can be easier.<\/p>\n

Apps such as Facebook Messenger<\/a> and WhatsApp<\/a> make it quick and easy to chat with your friends and family in one place. You can send photos, videos, audio clips and GIFs – allowing you to share things with one another, have a laugh and enjoy some banter between your group.<\/p>\n

So, if you haven\u2019t done so already, set-up different group chats with those closest to you -including your flatmates. After all, that cute snap you send to the group of your pet could really make someone else\u2019s day!<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0Social media<\/h3>\n

\"social-media-apps-on-mobile\"<\/p>\n

Being able to connect with others during these uncertain times is important and social media channels can all have their benefits.<\/p>\n

Being able to share updates and see your connection\u2019s updates of photos and videos via apps such as Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a> are a great way to continue seeing the people and things you\u2019re not currently able to.<\/p>\n

Channels such as Facebook and Twitter<\/a> allow for the sharing of articles, videos and other information that could prove very useful, especially for health and wellbeing, during the coronavirus pandemic.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking for a laugh, give Snapchat<\/a> and TikTok<\/a> a go. You can compose videos and images with the addition of music, filters and much more. So, have some fun, unleash your creativity and share with your network to make them smile!<\/p>\n

4. Netflix Party<\/h3>\n

\"netflix-tv\"<\/p>\n

Just because you can\u2019t have your mates around, doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t all hang out and watch the latest Netflix series or movie together. But how is this possible? Enter Netflix Party<\/a>; a Google Chrome browser extension which lets multiple Netflix users sync and watch movies on the platform together, all combined with a group chat function as well. So, it\u2019s time to grab your popcorn and schedule a movie night with your friends.<\/p>\n

5. Gaming<\/h3>\n

\"playing-games-console-during-coronavirus\"<\/p>\n

Being in isolation doesn\u2019t mean it\u2019s game over for fun with your friends. Enjoy a distraction from the coronavirus-dominated conversations with a little friendly competition. Dust off your old games consoles and get your friends to do the same, then let the battles begin. Whether you\u2019re playing on a PlayStation, an Xbox or even the family classic Nintendo Wii, join your friends and other players online in a race to top the leader boards!<\/p>\n

So, don\u2019t let coronavirus get in the way of your communication. With a little help from the above apps and tools \u2013 as well as many others, you can stay connected. Keep an eye out on our\u00a0news page<\/a>\u00a0for more information, advice and top tips for the coming weeks.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re self-isolating we\u2019d love to know what fun and creative things you\u2019re doing to stay in touch with your loved ones. Share with us via the Host social media channels (@hoststudentsuk).<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Just because you can\u2019t see people in person, it doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t see them at all. Thanks to technology, you’re able to keep in touch with your loved ones in a variety of ways.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":2694,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"subject":[71,67],"location-tax":[],"class_list":["post-2687","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-university-students","subject-lifestyle","subject-student-tips"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nStaying connected during the coronavirus outbreak - Blog | Host<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people are self-isolating. 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