This study aimed to explore and interpret the lived experience of Indonesian university students in emergency remote learning (ERL) during the COVID-19. Methods of the investigation was a qualitative phenomenological approach involving 80 students from the Social Science Education Program at a public university in Jakarta. Understanding their experience was achieved through a rigorous analysis of the participants' diaries and reflective essays and an online focus group. Results revealed that the students' experiences fell into two overarching themes, each with related sub-themes. The two identified themes and subthemes were: (a) blended learning, with the subthemes of e-learning, m-learning and conventional learning, and (b) paradoxical learning, with the sub-themes of flexible learning and challenging learning. By studying how university students learned during COVID-19, we could help ensure the efficacy of ongoing ERL and better incorporate similar programs in the future if this ever happens again.

Highlights Students remained motivated and kept moving forward on their learning despite all the limitations they faced during COVID-19 Pandemic. Students were driven autonomously by mental fortitude. The innate factors that led to this attitude included; being challenged, their enthusiasm and self-determination, the satisfaction of attaining and accomplishing their personal goals, and their religious devotion. They were also inspired by their social circle, their families and their friends. The students were motivated by their surroundings, the place they were studying, the atmosphere and the facilities.

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