Skip to main content
Southeast Missouri State University
Audience  Search  Menu 

You are here:

  1. Home
  2. Blog
  3. Choosing a College During COVID

Choosing a College During COVID

Continue to main content
  • Conquering College
Published: September 15, 2020

Share Options

  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to Linkedin

Choosing a college can be a stressful decision in a “normal” year. But what about having to select a college in the middle of a worldwide pandemic? It can be daunting, of course!

COVID has created an unsettling environment where things are distractingly different, and our world is changing fast. But don’t worry, we have compiled a list of advice to consider in your search!

 2020-general-exterior-1022-ch-001-500x334.jpg

Use technology to connect and explore

Technology has granted us some benefits in the middle of this pandemic. Using technology is not new to you, but colleges are working to use technology to your advantage. Many schools, including SEMO, are offering virtual tours of their campus. You can also dig in deeper by scheduling a video call with an admissions counselor. And, don’t forget to follow schools on social media to see what’s happening on campus.

Consider selecting a school closer to home

Due to social distancing and travel restrictions, it is possible students may have difficulty moving to a distant college or easily returning home on breaks. Selecting a school closer to home can be less troublesome and more comfortable. The great thing about Southeast Missouri State University it’s less than two hours to drive from St. Louis. Those universities closer to home are also a safer bet when on-campus visits are disrupted because you already have a good sense of the area.

Look for a college with a proven track record of quality outcomes - affordability

With the current state of the economy, it is important you have the maximum ability to get hired after graduating from college. Look for a school with good scholarship opportunities, low tuition rates, and one with a high percentage of individuals who find employment opportunities within six months of graduating. Southeast offers high quality education at an affordable rate, and our scholarships are test-optional, straightforward, and stackable so you can apply for more than one! Plus, our student outcomes rate? 97% of our students are employed or further their education within six months of graduating.

Choose a university with strong student support

During these times of uncertainty, it is important that we seek extra support. Whether that means more personalized instruction from a professor, working through financial aid questions, or getting help from tutorers, counselors, or advisers. Smaller campuses are traditionally easier to navigate and students tend to find a closer culture of personal connections between themselves and their faculty. SEMO offers tons of free student support services such as counseling, wellness, academic support, tutoring, and much more!

Your attitude will make all the difference!

Once you have made your college choice, you have the power to arrive on campus with a great attitude and make your college experience your perfect fit. Find a way to get involved, even while social distancing and wearing face coverings. Embrace your studies and look for methods to meet with fellow students. Take time for yourself and find ways to have fun! Your college experience is what you make of it, and you only get one shot!

Remember, you are not alone

Heading to college can cause anxiety in a normal setting but having to select a school during COVID-19 can generate a whole list of new questions. College campuses are designed and built to be a community – a close-knit, tight community – so COVID has certainly presented its challenges. We know that finding some normalcy is imperative so at Southeast Missouri State University, we are focused on providing a safe, comfortable, and engaging college experience for you… even during the pandemic.

Explore Categories

  • Why Southeast?
  • Becoming a Redhawk
  • Southeast Services
  • Conquering College
  • Your Best Years
  • Take It From Us
  • Online

Site Menu

Southeast Missouri State University

Secondary

  • Apply
  • Visit
  • Request Info
  • Give

Site

  • Academics
    • Program Finder
    • Undergraduate
    • Graduate
    • Online
    • Early College Programs
    • Study Abroad
    • Research
    • Honors Program
  • Admissions & Aid
    • Admission Requirements
    • How to Apply
    • Paying for College
    • Visiting SEMO
    • Admission Events
    • Meet the Team
  • Life at SEMO
    • Living on Campus
    • Dining
    • Student Life
    • Events
    • Traditions
    • Cape Girardeau
  • Student Support
    • Academic Support
    • Career Support
    • Health & Wellness
    • Financial Services
    • Dean of Students
    • Military & Veteran Services

Secondary

  • Apply
  • Visit
  • Request Info
  • Give

Quick Links

  • About
  • News
  • Blog
  • SEMO Online
  • Economic & Workforce Development
  • Colleges & Departments
  • Offices & Services
  • People Directory
  • Athletics
  • University Foundation
  • En Español
  • Institutional Data

Audience Links

Southeast Missouri State University

Resources for you.

  • Current Students
  • Parents & Families
  • Accepted Students
  • Counselors
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Donors
  • Community Partners

Info For:

  • Current Students
  • Parents & Families
  • Accepted Students
  • Counselors
  • Alumni
  • Faculty & Staff
  • Donors
  • Community Partners

Current Students Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Canvas
  • mySEMO
  • Email
  • SupportNET
  • University Calendar
  • Campus Map
  • Office Directory
  • People Directory
  • People Search
  • University Closings

Academics

  • Program Finder
  • Academic Calendar
  • Academic Advising
  • Academics
  • Course Catalog
  • Register for Classes
  • Registrar
  • Help Desk
  • Kent Library

Paying for College

  • Pay My Bill
  • Financial Services
  • Student Employment
  • Financial Calendar

Student Life

  • Apply for Housing
  • Residence Hall Association
  • Student Transportation
  • Dining
  • Dean of Students

Career Services

  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Handshake Jobs
  • Resources
  • Events

Parents & Families Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Family/Parents
  • Family Weekend
  • About Southeast
  • Campus Map
  • Academic Calendar
  • Office Directory
  • People Directory

Your Student

  • Admissions
  • New Student Programs
  • Opening Week
  • Financial Services
  • Residence Life
  • Academic Support
  • Health and Wellness
  • Dean of Students
  • University Police Department

Accepted Students Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Admissions
  • Camp Redhawk
  • Engage in 8
  • First Step
  • First Year Experience
  • New Student Programs
  • Textbook Rental
  • University Calendar

Academic Advising

  • Academic Calendar
  • Program Finder
  • Schedule an Appointment

Career Services

  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Handshake Jobs

Paying for College

  • Financial Aid
  • Scholarships
  • Payments

Student Life

  • Apply for Housing
  • Residence Life
  • Dining
  • Student Orgnizations

Counselors Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Office of Admissions
  • Find My Admissions Counselor
  • Counselor Resources
  • Early College Programs

Applying to SEMO

  • Admissions Requirements
  • How to Apply
  • Deadlines
  • Test Optional

Financial Aid

  • FAFSA
  • SEMO Scholarships
  • Cost and Affordability

Launching Careers

  • Academics
  • Outcomes
  • Career Services

Alumni Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Alumni Association
  • Update Your Information
  • Share Your Story
  • Employment
  • Office Directory
  • Southeast News
  • People Directory

Get Connected

  • Alumni Events
  • Campus Events
  • Show SEMO Spirit

Give Back

  • Giving to SEMO
  • Get Involved
  • Annual Fund

Faculty & Staff Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Profile Spotlight Form
  • Offices and Services
  • People Directory
  • People Search
  • mySEMO
  • Email
  • Academic Calendar
  • University Calendar
  • Campus Map
  • SupportNET
  • Kent Library
  • Human Resources
  • Training and Development
  • University Closings
  • SE Alerts
  • Web Change Request
  • Southeast News

Faculty Resources

  • Faculty Senate
  • Canvas
  • Center for Teaching and Learning

Staff Resources

  • Professional Staff Council
  • CTS Staff Council

Facilities

  • Work Order/Order Supplies Request
  • Central Receiving

Donors Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Giving to SEMO
  • University Foundation
  • Office Directory
  • People Directory

Making an Impact

  • Student Stories
  • Ways to Give
  • Student Emergency Fund
  • Get Involved

Connecting with SEMO

  • Alumni Association
  • Alumni Events
  • Academics
  • Redhawk Athletics

Community Partners Resources for you

Featured Links

  • Economic and Workforce Development
  • Skill Development
  • Factbook
  • About Southeast
  • Career Services
  • University Foundation
  • University Communications
  • People Directory
  • People Search

Workforce Development

  • Small Business and Technology Development Center
  • SEMO Online
  • Regional Professional Development Center
  • Alumni Association

Community Service

  • Southeast Serves
  • Office of Campus Life
  • Office of Greek Life
  • Redhawk Athletics

Media Inquiries

  • Southeast News
  • Redhawk Sports Information

One University Plaza Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

(573) 651-2000
Contact Us

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

Campuses

  • Cape Girardeau
  • River Campus
  • Kennett
  • Sikeston

Campus Links

  • News
  • Athletics
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Accreditations
  • Show Me Center

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

Footer

  • Employment
  • Accessibility
  • Nondiscrimination Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosures
  • Sunshine Law

© 2025 SEMO