The Return of Hugs: Lockdown rules relaxed

As Boris announces that the next stage of the UK’s ‘Road Map’ out of Lockdown is to go ahead from May 17th, what is the first activity on your list? Will you be catching up with your mates at a restaurant or sweating it out at the gym? Will you be going to visit family without having to find yourself freezing outside in their garden? Or will you just embrace the opportunity to hug your friends and family again?

After the horrific year we have all endured I feel like everyone is excited about normality even if you don’t intend to jump back in so soon. I am looking forward to hearing laughter, the sound of people eating meals, seeing people having fun. I know I will definitely be catching up with loved ones, going out for dinners, shopping trips and going to the gym again. Although life is still filled with masks, restrictions and distancing, this is a step in the right direction. - Tegan

Honestly, I’m super excited for relaxations on lockdown. I’ve recently been making loads of friends and This is the perfect opportunity to hang out with them, go for sleepovers and general fun activities. I’m generally alright with not being too face to face with my friends, as most of the ones i’ve had I’ve met online over discord and other social media sites, though now that the majority of my friends go to Barton or live relatively close, the desire to actually meet with them and have that physical connection is growing stronger. I’m very hopeful for the future, and things seem to be going pretty good in general for the UK, and I would say relaxations on lockdown is a fair call from mopman - Arch

With lockdown slowly unwinding and our freedom returning, I look forward to going out with my friends and being able to sit inside when i'm having a drink or eating food. It’ll be a strange return to a normal life but I don't think that life will ever be normal again. The lockdown easing will be exciting and hopefully a good step in the direction to get back on our feet but its not the end of the pandemic; with new strains coming out every month, I think that we will always be consciously vigilant to keep social distance, even with the rules relaxed. - Austin

Nandos. The list stretches but the first thing has got to be Nandos. Being able to go inside again is a huge step in the right direction, and it’s one that I am so glad we are taking. After such a difficult year, finally being able to hug our family, spend time inside with friends and go out for meals are going to feel like luxuries. If anything good has come out of covid it has to be how much more we are going to appreciate the little things now. Every hug, every movie night, every party. I for one won’t be taking anything for granted anymore. - Isabelle

Get on with my life; I have plans this summer!!! I plan to go to London and explore the many markets and shops. I can't wait! - Rob

Being able to have a meal out without at least 5 layers on. - Tom

Eat, sleep, study, repeat. -Sulena

Probably going to the pub. The pub has always been a place where people can consistently meet and have fun; no need to ask someone for a free house or have dinner before going out, because you are usually guaranteed to get a space to sit down and eat cheap, filling food in an inviting atmosphere. I am excited to be able to go out for meals with my friends again and I think that might be one of the first things I do. I think just being able to see more of my friends in general is what I’m excited about! I will also be able to spend time with my dad as I haven’t seen him since September due to him living in Ireland. Restrictions slowly lifting means we are heading in the right direction, and hopefully soon we can go back to our new normal. - Grace

Maybe meet with friends that doesn’t have to be a group of just six, so everyone I know can be included whenever we meet up.

Going to the pub, restaurants and being able to freely meet friends, reconnect and make new relationships.

At the end of lockdown, I am most looking forward to the social aspects that will come with it. I can’t wait to travel and make the most of summer with my friends. - Bella

As soon as it's May 17th and the rules are relaxed, I plan on going out for a meal with my family at the pub and finally being able to meet up with more than 6 friends at once. - Annaliese At the end of lockdown I have plans to have a bbq with friends and start my NEA projects. I also have plans to meet up with people over summer eating , vibing and shopping. - Matt