Chongqing - To pass the time during the Covid-19 lockdowns, university students in Chongqing have started creating handmade animal companions out of recyclable cardboard.

In many college dormitory buildings in Chongqing, there are cool Dobermans and cute Snoopy in front of the door. These "cute pets" obediently guard in front of each dormitory door. They are not noisy, do not need to be fed, and will not "poop "everywhere. Only taking a little time to cut and stick, students can make their puppies and walk them in the dormitory.

The Chongqing Technology and Business University recently launched the cardboard pet handmade creative design and display competition. More than 300 college students used their creations to make their unique pets. The cardboard boxes are made into cute pets, such as the cool flying dog, the adorable Tyrannosaurus rex, the snow-white and elegant swan, the mighty police dog, the cute SpongeBob, etc.

Teng Zhaojun, an expert from the Psychology Department of Southwest University, explained that it is normal for students to feel stressed in the dormitory during the epidemic. "Making cardboard pets is a way to divert attention and relieve stress, like playing games, watching dramas, and eating snacks. This method can not only strengthen the communication between students and meet the social needs during the lockdown period but also generate a sense of belonging psychologically, which is a positive way to maintain mental health," Teng said.

It is understood that many colleges and universities in Chongqing have launched activities to cure students' boredom and loneliness during the lockdown.

On the evening of Nov 13, a small but amazing online concert was held in the live broadcast room of Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications. Wang Yuanmao, an alumnus of Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications in 2015, and Liu Zhaoyu jointly performed several music pieces such as "Fulfilling Your Wish," "Empty World," and "By the Baikal Lake." Many viewers commented, "this kind of live broadcast is healing."

On Nov 16, a 4-hour online singing and sharing session of "Arts to the Future" was also held in the live broadcast room of Chongqing Normal University. The Chongqing Normal University Student Art Troupe and the students of the Conservatory of Music performed more than 30 well-known songs, such as "I firmly believe that love will win" and "Girl Achu." Some musical instruments, such as the pipa and accordion, were played live.

Gao Jingli, Secretary of the Youth League Committee of Chongqing Normal University, introduced that a series of colorful online activities will be launched. The university will also pay attention to the psychological changes of students at all times, helping relieve their psychological pressures.