Balancing everything whilst at University can feel like an impossible task; below are ten tips on how to manage this.
1. Nourish your body –
Eat well! Food is fuel for your body. It is so important to prioritise eating well, eating enough and eating regularly. Eating properly aids concentration, helps protect your immune system and improves energy levels.
2. Sleep –
Prioritizing rest and sleep is hugely important in allowing your body time to repair and reset after busy days. It is also vital to give you energy and aid concentration, so you can absorb new information and then time to process it afterwards. Trying to sleep at a similar time every night and make sure you are getting enough. Rest is productive and you deserve it!
3. Organisation –
Organising your time is so important for reducing stress and fitting in everything you need to do. Life can soon get busy between your course, new friends, societies and learning to live independently. Plan your time to make sure you are prioritising the right things; this will also help in the lead up to assignments or exams. A weekly timetable, diary reminders and to do lists can all help!
4. Ask for help –
firstpoint is your first point of call if you need support during your studies, they can refer and direct you to support departments within the University. Life carries on whilst at university and things can happen unexpectedly. Student Services including the Wellbeing team, Counselling and Mental Health, Money Advice Team and Disability and Dyslexia Team are available to make sure the correct support is in place for you to make your experience of university as positive as possible. Utilise this support, it is here for you.
5. Connections with others –
Meeting people and making friends can be difficult, however human connection is so important for wellbeing. ‘Fancy a Cuppa?’ happens twice a week in firstpoint (Tuesday and Thursday 1-2pm) this is a great opportunity to meet new people, have a chat or just be quiet whilst feeling part of something. It is a great option as a study break.
6. Speak to your PAT –
If you are finding any part of your course difficult or feel you need more clarification or help academically then your first port of call should be your PAT. They will be able to meet with you to discuss course details or assignments. Make the most of this resource, they are the experts!
7. Make time for family and friends –
Maintaining a life and relationships outside of university is really important. Give yourself permission to prioritise those relationships, visit a friend at a their university or have family visit your new home town, this is an exciting part of moving and studying in a new place.
8. Put the effort in –
You have chosen to do your course at Worcester University for a reason. Now is your time to make the most of the opportunity as before you know it the three years will of whizzed by. If by the end of that you can tell yourself you worked as hard and you could and put the effort in then that is always enough. Soak it all in and try to make this time count.
9. Take regular breaks –
Everyone studies in different ways, however studies show that taking regular breaks will make your study time more focused and therefore productive. Allow yourself regular breaks throughout the day or plan study time before a sports activity or seeing friends.
10. Life after University –
The Careers Service are available for you to book in with, they can help you tackle that big question…What’s next?! University life will pass by quickly and so it is a good idea to look forward and access the support for future plans whilst it is available to you.
Remember this is a period of your life full of new experiences and challenges, you are doing your best and that is all you can do. Be kind to yourself!
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