A few weeks into the first
semester and it’s fair to say we’re all feeling it in one way or another:
stressed. Whether you’re a first, second or third year, the start of a new term
has whacked us right in the face after that long summer. What do you mean a
deadline is looming?!
University moves quickly,
one minute you’re snoozing in a lecture thinking the hand in date is six weeks
away. Next thing you know, it’s knocking at the front door and you’re thinking
it’s your TESCO delivery. The build-up can cause a whole lot of stress,
worrying and panic, here’s how I tone it down.
As a full time waitress,
music editor/writer at a national publication and second year student I rely
heavily on time management. And coffee.
My phone notes are chock-a-block with essay
starters, websites to check out, to do lists, and plans. It’s a feature on your
phone that can be utilised. Especially if you’re on a creative course.
As a commuter, I’d be silly
to let my travel time go to waste. I mean, it is a four hour
round trip. Yep. I’m not sure why I put myself through these things, either. If
you too use public transport often, then use this time to do your readings,
watch documentaries on your study field or draft out an introduction paragraph.
It’s crazy to think how
much time actually goes to waste in your day, so how about audio recording your lectures, and listening back
whilst you cook or clean? Even if you’re paying little attention, some info
will wiggle into the subconscious.
Whilst you’re at it,
download Forest onto your smartphone. The app is a
cure for smartphone addiction, apparently. Whenever you sit down to do some
work, grow a tree. The minute you leave the app, the tree will die! So you
can’t work yourself up checking in on friends and their process, or tweet about
how you’re procrastinating.
Set aside ten minutes after
each lecture to read over your notes.
For this, it requires actually taking notes, too! Taking notes is so simple but
so many people don’t do it, then regret it later down the line. References and
theorists are handed to you on a plate, and terminology is right in front of
you – take the bait guys! Save time the night before an essay trying to find
who said what.
Though never start skipping
crucial parts of your day to cram in work before the deadline day. If you do
the readings week by week, stay on top of independent study tasks and know your
deadlines in advance you won’t have to pull all-nighters in the library. Keep a routine, maybe of getting up,
showered, eating breakfast, going to uni, doing an hours work, taking a break
to eat, some more work, having your evening, then sleeping. You’ll feel less
confused about your day, fresher and brighter in a pattern.
It’s important to look after your body and mind in stressful periods, and having an
essay to write shouldn’t stop that. Be sure to get yourself enough good food to
eat a day, take breaks, keep hydrated, and get some fresh air, open your curtains! Shower, stay comfortable and know
you deserve a rest. If your job is applying too much pressure, explain your
situation.
With this, figure out a work/life balance. Yes, we’re
going back to GCSE Personal Development. The biggest part of stress is not
knowing what you’re doing with your time, when you know you have things that
you’re meant to be doing. Amiright? So you know your schedule, write it down –
in the empty slots make a plan of your week. I’d suggest keeping
evenings as your free time to enjoy, so you’re not dreading work through the
day and your brain can wind down. Don’t feel guilty for taking some time out.
Also, if you’re part of a
group project – don’t be a
pushover! Do your share, maybe go a bit beyond, but make sure it’s fair and
you’re not doing the dirty work. Be honest with yourself and what you’ve done, be
honest with yourself and what you need to do.
First semester is
stressful, it’s a shock to the system. Then you have to get into the swing of
independent living again, and keep up social appearances. Remember that
everybody is in the same boat, and you can do it! If things are getting tough,
speak to a tutor or a course mate over a coffee. You’re only human, after all.
