As a final year student, I know managing your university work while also trying to maintain your social life can be difficult. It feels like you’re constantly trying to keep on top of a never-ending pile of work, and if you go on even one night out you feel as though you’re completely behind again. However, despite the difficulty of managing your time well, it is important that a good balance is kept in order to look after your mental health and wellbeing. Hopefully, this article will reassure you that you are not alone when it comes to final year stress.
As it gets closer to Christmas, the deadlines are mounting and the reality of how little time you have is starting to set in. While trying to write your essays and research for your dissertation, you also have to keep on top of weekly seminar and lecture work. Here are a few tips on how to keep calm and find the right work-life balance:
Tip 1: To do lists!
This may seem obvious, but they are something that instantly make me feel more organised. Write down every bit of work you must do, and then decide what you are going to focus on for that day. Normally, I prioritise things that are due sooner, or things that I know won’t take long. By writing a list, you can visualise everything you have to do and will avoid forgetting anything important.
Tip 2: Do a bit every day!
I am definitely someone who wastes plenty of time doing nothing, and then tries to cram everything into one day. However, I am slowly realising that the best way to keep on top of things is to do a little bit every day. Even if you only complete one or two small tasks, you will still feel like you’re making progress.
Tip 3: Stop thinking about it, just do it!
It’s so easy just to lie on your bed, stressing about the work you’ve got to do and how little time you’ve got to do it, while not actually making any movement to do the work. Unfortunately, the only way to stop stressing about it is to actually do it. Normally, you’ll find that once you’ve started the work it will all become a bit clearer and you will feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.
Tip 4: Make time for a social life!
It’s easy to say that you haven’t got any time to go out with friends because you’ve got too much work. But, in reality, you won’t sit at home working the whole time. If you get into a good routine, you will be able to find the time to go out and enjoy yourself. Try and put aside a certain day to do something or make plans in advance so that you know you won’t have that part of the week to work.
My main point is that although we all have our ways of working and balancing our social life, it is so important to realise final year doesn’t have to be 24/7 work!