As the fall term kicks into full swing, you may find that your due dates creep up on you out of nowhere. It’s common for university students to find themselves in a position where they may have to give up their fun plans, random to-do list tasks, and extracurricular commitments already made. However, university is not just about academics. Use your time at Queen’s to grow in all aspects of your life in spite of the stresses this time can bring. To do so, it’s important to have a game plan for how you want your semester to look.
To try and avoid the academic blues, utilize these tips to make your semester as fun and easy as possible.
Organize all the tasks you have to accomplish before the semester is up by how long they’ll take and when they should be completed in correlation with other tasks.
Fall term is packed with academic due dates, club applications, housing decisions, and even graduate applications for some. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of responsibility, I promise you’ll feel better once you’ve sat down and created a plan for how you want your month to look.
First, start by using your favourite online organizational tool, whether that is something like Notion or Google calendars. Write down all your tasks ranging from readings you need to catch up on, studying for exams, assignments you need to complete, and any other pressing work you need to get done.
I find that it helps to create sections for the different types of tasks I have. Write down a realistic estimate of how much time each task will take you, as well as when you need to get it done. That way, you can calculate when you need to work on each individual thing and make yourself a realistic daily schedule. It’s okay if you don’t follow your schedule to a T every day. Leave some room in your planning for procrastination/changes in your schedule.
Make a bucket list of fun (K-Town April Bucket List)
Unfortunately for students, the beautiful fall weather comes at a time where we also need to buckle in and get serious about school. If the weather is nice enough, I recommend finding somewhere to be productive outside, whether that is on campus at places like Mitchell Hall or the second floor of Stauffer, or on your front porch. As important as it is to get work done, if you want to maximize productivity, leave yourself some time to enjoy the nice weather and the company of your friends. Make a bucket list of things you want to do before the semester ends. Ideas to add to your K-Town bucket-list can include visiting the pier on a sunny day, trying out a new heated patio, yoga at Victoria Park, or trying a new fitness class at the ARC.
Pick a few TV shows for procrastination purposes
The streaming services are going to be calling your name when you’ve been doing readings for hours. You probably won’t be able to avoid the temptation of starting a new show or movie. Instead of trying to ban or restrict your consumption, pick a few shows or movies that you can allow yourself to watch as a reward for work. Give yourself a limit that corresponds with the work schedule you’ve made for yourself.
Find ways to motivate yourself to do work
In the face of what can feel like mountains of work, you might start to lose faith in your academic abilities. Don’t let the fear get you down! Switch things up when you’re bored by finding something new to add to your work routine, whether that is finding a new study spot, working with a friend, or lighting a candle. If you feel like you can’t do everything you want in one day, start by completing an easy task and see how you’re feeling after you’ve finished it. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, make sure you’re eating well, and keeping up with hygiene. Sometimes completing little acts of self-care helps with motivation too!
Make a few playlists
No great month is complete without a playlist that embodies the vibes you want your month to feel like. Curate your mood by creating a playlist that’s equal parts motivation and good energy. A good playlist can help romanticize your month, be the background to your studying, or get you excited to reach the finish line and enter the summer months.
As hard as school can be, the knowledge that it can also be a time of incredible growth and enjoyment is so exciting! Use these tips to make the best of it.