University student shares her story on surviving the loneliness of a COVID-19 lockdown

Having moved from Goulburn at 18, now a 22-year-old hospitality employee and full-time university student, I am met with great uncertainty about when my life can begin to grasp any form of normality.

Like the many thousands of Greater Sydney workers, I am currently stood down by my employer at a local independent cinema in the heart of Newtown, with no clear indication of when work can resume or when I can earn an income again.

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As restrictions for Greater Sydney continue to tighten with the continuing rise in positive COVID-19 cases, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard has put in place exemptions for intimate partners who do not live together to be able to visit one another.

But like myself, single people living alone are beginning to wonder if the same compassion can be considered for our cohort.

I have been keeping in regular contact with my single friends living alone or in self-isolation but there's a lot to be said about the importance of physical interaction for our own mental health.

I'm currently making my way through my ninth novel since day one of lockdown.

I'm hoping my English teachers from Trinity Catholic College can be proud of me for making good use of all my spare time.

Reading has provided an escape for me, forcing me to turn off the television and stop focusing on the current circumstances I don't have any control over.

I am currently enrolled in my final semester at the University of Technology Sydney completing my Bachelor's Degree in Media Arts and Production.

This final semester will involve a collaborative project of writing and producing a short film.

The evolving restrictions have altered class sizes, class durations and the likelihood of returning back onto campus with no compensation for student fees.

Weekends in Newtown have been one of the oddest things to experience as a local.

The main street that should be roaring with live music, cafes, street artists, markets, quirky bars and dancing has lulled to a whisper.

Restaurants have adapted their storefronts to sell baked goods, cocktails and deli products with restricted hours and unfortunately, a number of well-loved local eateries and bars have shut their doors permanently.

Many people have been struggling this past month unable to see our friends and family.

But in working together and doing our part in staying home, we can keep our loved ones safe and will be able to see them very soon.