Nothing will be the same again? Trauma and the SARSCoV-2 pandemic among university students

We analyze the experiences of university students regarding social distancing and the implementation of remote learning during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Based on a case study at a federal university, we adopted the theories of collective and psychosocial trauma as a reference. The fieldwork was carried out via focus groups with undergraduate students in the health field. The analysis of the transcribed material allowed the identification of three thematic categories: unsatisfactory interpersonal relationships, ambivalence as an expression of trauma, and institutional actions and support dealing with trauma. The results show that the students experienced ruptures in their university identity, weakening of bonds, and transformations in their relationship with space and time. The institutional support of the university created minimum conditions for the collective treatment of trauma, helping students to elaborate on their experiences during this period.