Click University

Welcome to Click University, a text based game exploring our thoughts and feeling about University life in the time of Covid-19. Starting University is like starting any big adventure. It can be both exciting and daunting. Exhilarating and nerve-wrecking. You’ll probably arrive hoping you will have come prepared, but unsure until you get started. You may have certain expectations. Maybe you’re looking forward to meeting people from all over the world and making new friends? Maybe you can't wait for your first lecture, to learn from experts in their field? Maybe you were really hoping to check out the area around the university, to take advantage of the uni’s facilities and all the discounts in the shops... Probably, whatever your expectations were, these were disrupted by the challenges brought forward by 2020 and Covid-19. We think it’s fair to say that 2020 is a year like no other. Starting University at this time means that you will likely have a different experience of uni compared to your peers. But this shouldn’t mean that you miss out on the uni experience. It’s an unknown, new world that we’re all having to get used to navigating together. But every big adventure, every foray into unchartered land, starts with one first step forward. So how about it? Let’s see how we might make the most of this new uni landscape... [[Start University->Start University]]

The Provost says: "Welcome to Click University! We are delighted that you are joining our university. Now that Fresher’s week is over, we hope that you’ve had a chance to take a look at the online inductions, societies and clubs, and different services available to you now as a new member of our community. If not, don’t fret – you can always come back to the Induction website to find the information again, or ask a member of staff if you don’t know where to go. All that aside, we hope you enjoy your studies with us! We recommend jumping right in, and attending your first class..." Choose a character and live out your first day! [[Tom->Backstory Tom]] [[Kitty->Backstory Kitty]] [[Ellie->Backstory Ellie]]

Adams backstory [[Join class->Contribute to chat Adam]]

Ellie thinks: "So.. this is it- my first class… this is not what I expected my University life to look like. Shit, what’s that sound?... It must be the flat nextdoor; they seem to have so much more fun than us. I think I went to bed at 9 last night! Whoop living it large! Any way first class. Bound to make one friend… I should have joined a society on freshers’ week… I bet everyone knows people already... Moodle is so confusing, maybe I should have asked my flat mate how she logged in to her first class yesterday…. Was I supposed to read all this stuff before I joined? I’m probably the worst one, I have no idea why my teacher predicted me an A and Robert only got a B- I can’t believe he’s not here with me… or instead of me… Ok its logging in…. should I be taking notes? I don’t even a pen… I thought I would get a chance to at least go to the shops! Turn camera off. I look awful! [[Join class->Contribute to chat Ellie]]

The teacher says: '“...So, as you can see, this clearly demonstrates the hypothesis mentioned on page 108. However, there have been counter arguments to this. Would anyone like to suggest a counter argument, or a reason why the theory suggested here might be flawed?” You have an answer! Will you at add to the chat? [[Yes->Contribute chat Ellie yes]] [[No->Contribute to chat Ellie no]]

The teacher says: '“...So, as you can see, this clearly demonstrates the hypothesis mentioned on page 108. However, there have been counter arguments to this. Would anyone like to suggest a counter argument, or a reason why the theory suggested here might be flawed?” You have an answer! [[Yes->Contribute chat Adam yes]] [[No->Contribute to chat Adam no]]

The teacher says: '“...So, as you can see, this clearly demonstrates the hypothesis mentioned on page 108. However, there have been counter arguments to this. Would anyone like to suggest a counter argument, or a reason why the theory suggested here might be flawed?” You have an answer! Will you add it to the chat? [[Yes->Contribute chat Tom yes]] [[No->Contribute to chat Tom no]]

The teacher says: '“...So, as you can see, this clearly demonstrates the hypothesis mentioned on page 108. However, there have been counter arguments to this. Would anyone like to suggest a counter argument, or a reason why the theory suggested here might be flawed?” You have an answer! Will you add it to the chat? [[Yes->Contribute chat Kitty yes]] [[No->Contribute to chat Kitty no]]

[[Continue in class->Turn on camera Adam+]]

[[Continue in class->Turn on camera Adam-]]

Tom thinks: "Ah I remember this from last year, time to put my advantage to use and get some brownie points and maybe impress some people! Ah great, the teacher mentioned my comment and remembered me from last year. I guess I'll have to keep doing well now and maybe come up with some more original things" [[Continue in class->Turn on camera tom +]]

Tom thinks: "This is easy, I'll let the other people handle this one, I'll get one later that is harder. Although no-one has put what I was going to say, that’s a bit annoying as I’ve missed a chance to shine a bit. Not many people answered, is anyone actually out there?" [[Continue in class->Turn on camera Tom-]]

Kitty thinks: "Ah…I think I read something related to this the other day, but I’m not sure. Let's put it in the chat and see if it’s right... Oh, look! Someone has said something similar! Did we read the same book? Yes! The teacher is reading out our comments and agrees! Get in." [[Continue in class->Turn on camera Kitty+]]

Kitty thinks: "Ah…I think I read something relevant the other day, but I’m not sure. I’m kind of nervous… I’ve typed out what I want to say, but pressing ‘enter’ feels like a huge deal. Once I press it, I can’t undo my message… Maybe I shouldn’t do it? Yeah, I won’t do it. Oh look, someone else has sort of made the point I wanted to make anyway so… Yeah, I’ll just stay quiet I guess…" [[Continue in class->Turn on camera kitty-]]

Ellie thinks: "Oh he read out my answer! Wow that’s so cool. I’m glad I listened to in Mrs Braun now… This teacher is super interesting. Maybe, I should go and look for his books in the library? I think there is a library drop-in session today actually- it would be good to have something to ask about. I’m really glad to chose this course, she has so much experience in this field…. Maybe I’ll be in her tutor group." [[Continue in class->Turn on camera Ellie+]]

Ellie thinks: "Oh I knew that… Well its probably super easy, we learnt that in A Levels…. Mrs Braun gave me an A on that paper.. I miss just going to school, it was so much easier, and I actually had friends… Everyone who stayed at home seems to be having so much more fun, at least they can for a walk together. I don’t know why I choose this course" [[Continue in class->Turn on camera Ellie-]]

The teacher says: “Great. Now that’s covered, for this next part, I’m going to split you into breakout rooms so you can get to know some of your fellow students. There may be some formative group work later on in the term, depending on your feedback, so let’s see how this goes...” You move into a breakout room. Will you turn on your camera? [[Yes->Adam turn on camera yes-]] [[No->Adam turn on camera no-]]

The teacher says: “Great. Now that’s covered, for this next part, I’m going to split you into breakout rooms so you can get to know some of your fellow students. There may be some formative group work later on in the term, depending on your feedback, so let’s see how this goes...” You move into a breakout room. Will you turn on your camera? [[Yes->Tom turn on camera yes+]] [[No->Tom turn on camera no+]]

The teacher says: “Great. Now that’s covered, for this next part, I’m going to split you into breakout rooms so you can get to know some of your fellow students. There may be some formative group work later on in the term, depending on your feedback, so let’s see how this goes...” You move into a breakout room. Will you turn on your camera? [[Yes->Kitty turn on camera yes+]] [[No->Kitty turn on camera no+]]

The teacher says: “Great. Now that’s covered, for this next part, I’m going to split you into breakout rooms so you can get to know some of your fellow students. There may be some formative group work later on in the term, depending on your feedback, so let’s see how this goes...” You move into a breakout room. Will you turn on your camera? [[Yes->Ellie turn on camera yes+]] [[No->Ellie turn on camera no+]]

The teacher says: “Great. Now that’s covered, for this next part, I’m going to split you into breakout rooms so you can get to know some of your fellow students. There may be some formative group work later on in the term, depending on your feedback, so let’s see how this goes...” You move into a breakout room. Will you turn on your camera? [[Yes->Tom turn on camera yes-]] [[No->Tom turn on camera no-]]

The teacher says: “Great. Now that’s covered, for this next part, I’m going to split you into breakout rooms so you can get to know some of your fellow students. There may be some formative group work later on in the term, depending on your feedback, so let’s see how this goes...” You move into a breakout room. Will you turn on your camera? [[Yes->Kitty turn on camera yes-]] [[No->Kitty turn on camera no-]]

The teacher says: “Great. Now that’s covered, for this next part, I’m going to split you into breakout rooms so you can get to know some of your fellow students. There may be some formative group work later on in the term, depending on your feedback, so let’s see how this goes...” You move into a breakout room. Will you turn on your camera? [[Yes->Ellie turn on camera yes-]] [[No->Ellie turn on camera no-]]

[[Continue in class->Join whatsapp group Adam++]]

[[Continue in class->Join whatsapp group Adam+-]]

[[Continue in class->Join whatsapp group Adam-+]]

[[Continue in class->Join whatsapp group Adam--]]

Tom thinks: "Hmm I suppose I should put my camera on, there are only 5 of us and I don’t want to be the odd one out. Great, one other person had their camera on, and then the three others did too. It's nice to see each other, we all laugh a bit nervously but seeing each other smiling relaxes us and helps us introduce ourselves and get on with the work." " [[Continue in class->Join whatsapp group Tom++]]

Tom thinks: "I can’t be bothered to put my camera on, I'm not looking super tidy and I don’t want to “show-off” my room. I’m not really here to make friends anyway just get on with things. No-one else put on their cameras either and we didn’t really say much, just one person talked a bit and the others said, “yea, yea”, it’s so great to be back at uni..." [[Continue in class->Join whatsapp group Tom+-]]

Kitty thinks: "Ah! I don’t know what’s more awkward! Turning camera on or off?! Okay, you only live once, fine, camera on... Oh, that’s nice! Other people are turning on cameras now as well – phew. I’m so glad I tidied my room a bit beforehand... Yes, yes, that’s my cat in the background, thanks for asking!" [[Continue in class->Join whatsapp group Kitty++]]

Kitty thinks: "Oh goodness, this is so awkward. I didn’t clean my room enough before this, and no one else is turning their cameras on so...I think I’ll just...sit quietly. Thank goodness actually, because my mum keeps coming in and out to try and get the cat out, and I’d rather not having strangers seeing my mum... Maybe in like, Week 3..." [[Continue in class->Join whatsapp group Kitty+-]]

Ellie thinks: "Wow at least other people turn their cameras on too! They all seem super nice; it was nice to actually see some other students! It would be good to know what they studied before, one of them seemed to really know their stuff! But I don’t think I did that badly! Its all coming back to now! I might go back over that paper he mentioned..." [[Continue in class->Join whatsapp group Ellie++]]

Ellie thinks: "I don’t really feel like contributed anything to that discussion! They all seem to know so much, I haven’t read half on stuff they mentioned… I can’t believe im falling behind in the first week! My friend was right, I should have just taken the year out and waited for everything to go back to normal." [[Continue in class->Join whatsapp group Ellie+-]]

Ellie thinks: "Wow at least other people turn their camera on too! They all seem super nice; it was nice to actually see some other students! It would be good to know what they studied before, one of them seemed to really know their stuff! But I don’t think I did that badly! Its all coming back to now! I might go back over that paper he mentioned..." [[Continue in class->Join whatsapp group Ellie-+]]

The teacher says: “...Okay, so how was that? Have a think about whether you enjoyed the breakout room format, and we’ll see how much of it we can use in our upcoming classes. Some of you might have already made some new friends – I fully encourage you to speak with one another outside the classroom! Now for next week, I’d like you to...” Follow up on the tutor’s suggestion and reach out to your class mates? [[Yes->Join whatsapp group Adam yes++]] [[No->Join whatsapp group Adam no++]]

[[Finish class->Meet online Adam+++]]

[[Finish class->Meet online Adam++-]]

[[Finish class->Meet online Adam+-+]]

[[Finish class->Meet online Adam-++]]

[[Finish class->Meet online Adam-+-]]

[[Finish class->Meet online Adam+--]]

[[Finish class->Meet online Adam--+]]

[[Finish class->Meet online Adam---]]

Tom thinks: "The breakout room was ok, but, it would be good to have some people to study with. I missed that last year and I think it would really help me. I’m going to message them about what they thought of today’s session and see if anyone needs any help as I've kind of covered this before... ..A couple of people got back to me and wanted some help so we are going to have a chat later which is good." [[Finish class->Meet online Tom+++]]

Tom thinks: "I probably should message some people but I've got my friends that I live with and I kind of know this stuff. It’s not like we can do anything at the moment anyway so it all feels a bit pointless being at Uni at the moment. I can just concentrate on doing what I need to do at the moment." [[Finish class->Meet online Tom++-]]

Kitty thinks: "Aw, these people seem nice. There’s even another person who’s still living at home, like me! I’m glad I’m not the only one. They’ve just added me to a Whatsapp group for students who are still living at home, so we can support one another – I’ll say hi!" [[Finish class->Meet online Kitty+++]]

Kitty thinks: "I’m not really comfortable reaching out after the very first class... I can always do it later... I just feel a bit too awkward and removed from everything at the moment, and my mum is calling me to help her with something now, so I should probably go do that first anyway... There’s always next week...maybe...if I feel like it..." [[Finish class->Meet online Kitty++-]]

Ellie thinks: "I am so glad I sent that message; they seem to be in exactly the same boat as me… thank god! Its super confusing, but I think I’m getting some of it.. At least I have somebody to freak out with now! I might look at that link they sent me, that society sounds really interesting!" [[Finish class->Meet online Ellie+++]]

Ellie thinks: "They probably have loads of friends from home and stuff…. and they seem pretty confident… they probably weren’t looking to make friends anyway. I don’t think anybody can make friends like this! Is this what university life is going to be like? What is the point? I probably won't even get a job at the end, look at my sister.. she is doing the exact same thing she was doing before she started university." [[Finish class->Meet online Ellie++-]]

Ellie thinks: "They probably have loads of friends from home and stuff…. and they seem pretty confident… they probably weren’t looking to make friends anyway. I don’t think anybody can make friends like this! Is this what university life is going to be like? What is the point? I probably wont even get a job at the end, look at my sister.. she is doing the exact same thing she was doing before she started university." [[Finish class->Meet online Ellie+--]]

Ellie thinks: "They probably have loads of friends from home and stuff…. and they seem pretty confident… they probably weren’t looking to make friends anyway. I don’t think anybody can make friends like this! Is this what university life is going to be like? What is the point? I probably wont even get a job at the end, look at my sister.. she is doing the exact same thing she was doing before she started university." [[Finish class->Meet online Ellie-+-]]

Ellie thinks: "They probably have loads of friends from home and stuff…. and they seem pretty confident… they probably weren’t looking to make friends anyway. I don’t think anybody can make friends like this! Is this what university life is going to be like? What is the point? I probably wont even get a job at the end, look at my sister.. she is doing the exact same thing she was doing before she started university." [[Finish class->Meet online Ellie---]]

Your new classmates invite you to go to an online social event. With your newfound confidence (and someone you know by your virtual side), you decide to attend. It’s a bit awkward at first, but you manage to speak to a few people – even turn your camera on for a bit and chat without using the ‘chat’ function. You get to know a few new names and faces, and think that you might speak to those people after this event, too. All in all, it’s not what you expected (not when you’re still wearing PJ bottoms to go with your nice top), but you’ve made the first step in getting to know others in your community. Maybe it’s not going to be too bad or different after all? [[Take a different persepctive->Join university]]

One of your new classmates reaches out to you and invites you to attend an online social event they’re organising for the class. You still feel a bit like a deer in the headlights with all this new information and having to be online all the time. You think the screen time is giving you a headache, and you’re still a bit shy, so you ignore the invitation. Still, you make use of the time to do something else – maybe you watch a film or some TV, maybe you read a book (on paper! For leisure or for next classes), maybe you go catch up on some sleep because It's all a bit much. All in all, you might not feel that you’re quite there yet in terms of getting to know your classmates but there’s always next time (if you feel like it). [[Take a different persepctive->Join university]]

Tom thinks: "So now it’s time my first online tutorial, this should be great. I’ve done the reading and think I’m prepared. Although, I’ve never really been one to speak up and I’ll be nervous if I’m asked to. I’m not sure how it will work with being online, it might make it easier as you probably won’t see people’s reactions but that will be weird. It’ll be nice to see other people if they put their cameras on, but I don’t know about putting mine on. I guess I’ll just see what everyone else does. I hope my flat-mates don’t make too much noise, or make fun of me for re-taking my first year, I know they all passed but I had a tough year. Hopefully this one will be much better, I just need to make sure I get off on the right foot. How does this work anyway? Last year it seemed much more obvious but actually it was probably just as confusing and scary. Ok I'm logged in and ready to go... " [[Join class->Contribute to chat Tom]]

Kitty thinks: "Right, first class. Have I got everything? Pen, check. Paper, check. Headphones, check. Have I tested my mic? Do I need to test my mic? Psh...I probably won’t say anything anyway. Oh goodness, do they take a register like back in school for these things? Wa—ashjdhjsd ugh, get the cat out of my room! Rolo is treading all over my keyboard! Asjgajds MUM!! Get. The. Cat. Out. Of. My. Room. This is so distracting. I should have put my name down for a place in halls but it’s so expensive and I don’t have a job, and if we don’t have to go to class in person for the time being, seemed more sensible at the time to stay put... Agh! Anyway, I have to log in to actually attend. Is this the right link? I hope it’s the right link... Is the teacher here already? I sure hope so. I don’t want to make small talk with strangers..." [[Join class->Contribute to chat Kitty]]