Study habits for success
With the academic year coming to a close it’s definitely a busy time for everyone. As deadlines and exams are fast approaching, we've asked some of our students to share their tips to help you stay calm during this busy time of the year.
Rebecca – MA Marketing Innovation
I take the pressure off by planning in times to take a break and treat myself with small things to look forward to like watching a TV show, reading a chapter of my book, having a bath, phoning my best friend or going for a walk. Fresh air is completely the best thing for stress. Also, a lot of tea.
I try really hard not to work beyond 10pm to let myself completely unwind before going to bed otherwise I would just dream of assignments all night. This is easier said than done though and I usually end up pulling a few all-nighters just before a deadline!!
Fiona – BA (Hons) Sociology
My tip would be to plan your weeks! Make sure you have time to chill and see your friends but also allocate time to do your uni work. If you stick to your plan of what work you’re doing and when you will get everything you need to done!
Evie – MA Creative and Professional Writing
During times of stress at university, particularly hand in dates for the big essays and extended projects, I like to schedule my study time. I work better first thing, so I get up early and work through till lunch time. That way I can have an hour or two to eat or walk or just see friends in the afternoon. That opportunity to take a little ‘me time’ stops the stress and makes it easier to focus when I get back to work.
My other favourite tip is to listen to an audiobook before bed. This stops me worrying about the essays that I’m working on and helps me get a full nights sleep so I feel bright and ready to work the next day. I think for me the key is to think of university like a job: you must put in the hours required to succeed, but at the end of the day, you need to think about yourself too – whether that means a long bath, or going out with your peers.
Andrea - BA (Hons) Creative Writing
As soon as you get your module handbooks; write down all your deadlines. Keeping track of what is due when (from early on in the semester) means no stressful surprises or forgotten assignments when April comes around.
Also, as everyone will tell you, remember to get enough sleep, drink enough water and eat decent food. During busy hand in- and exam periods, both your mind and your body are working incredibly hard, and you need to make sure that you give them both enough fuel to do their job.
What do you do to keep calm while you're studying?
Share your top tips in the comments below!
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