It can feel daunting getting back into the swing of things after a long break. Here are some of my top tips on how to settle back into uni life and work effectively.
1. Set a Routine
Set an alarm for the same time every morning to bring consistency to your day. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you’ve had a night out, but try and wake up at the same time and have breakfast, setting yourself up for the day ahead. I would also set aside a block of time to get your tasks done. Lists are an effective way to do this and ticking things off is very satisfying!
2. Do Some Exercise
You don’t have to go to the gym six times a week to fulfil this aim. Even just a walk to town to grab a coffee, alone or with a friend, can clear your head and make you more productive. Getting out of the house everyday will help focus your thoughts, and will make completing tasks easier as your mind will be refreshed.
3. Make Sure to see People
Life in halls can get lonely and isolating, especially when everyone is super busy with work. It’s important to make sure you see at least one other person a day, mostly for your own sanity! Have dinner with a friend, go for a walk, or catch up after a class. It doesn’t have to be pubbing or clubbing.
4. Set Up a Clean and Organised Work Environment
Many people prefer to work in the library or on campus as they find it helps to separate their ‘sleep’ and relaxation space from where they work. If this is you, find a nice place on campus or in the library that suits the volume you like to work at; I recommend the law library. Treat yourself to a coffee and some nice highlighters before settling down to study. If you work better in your room, keep it tidy and organised. Perhaps set a goal to tidy it every night before bed so you can focus in the morning.
5. Rest
Finally, set aside some time to rest. Terms can get very busy at Exeter and it’s important to refuel and relax. It’s better to do a lot of focused work in a few hours than to sit on your bed half-heartedly doing work whilst on your phone for a whole day. Have your favourite TV show lined up to watch at the end of the day or go to the pub for a few drinks to unwind and relax with friends. Just FYI, Greys Anatomy will keep you going for the whole year!