Edited by Tasmiyah Randeree
It’s pretty much inevitable to experience stress here at U of T; if you haven’t felt it yet, you will (trust me)! Although it can be an intense motivator, too much stress can cause a great deal of harm. Entering my fourth year at U of T, I feel confident enough to pass on the ways I have learned to manage stress.
Plan your time
I’d suggest buying a calendar to write down the dates of any assignments or midterms. That way, you know what’s coming and exactly what to expect. When everything is right in front of you, there is less panic over what you have to do and when it’s due.
Keep your space organized
Organizing your space can help organize your thoughts. Personally, this helps me get work done much more efficiently so I would definitely recommend it. If nothing else, at least you’ll have a distraction for a little while!
Take breaks
When you feel like you’ve lost all productivity, step away from your schoolwork, for a short time at least. Speaking from experience, taking a breather allows me to refocus my mind and attention on my schoolwork making it a lot easier to get things done.
Try Meditation
It’s okay if university life gets overwhelming; take time out of your busy schedule to relax. Why not attend meditation sessions offered at U of T or even install a meditation app like Headspace or Calm to help you find your inner peace through all the chaos. I personally find it difficult to remember this during busy times of the year, but its always important to prioritize your health and well-being.
Develop a support system
When all else fails, those closest to you will continue to support you. Most of us are going through similar experiences, so you can always find someone to talk to, someone who can relate to your issues and rants. And don’t feel bad about seeing your close friends and family. Turn it into a study session so that you don’t feel guilty about not completing assignments.
All in all, there are ways to cope with the stress that U of T throws at you; from my experience, it’s honestly not so bad. Once you accept the fact that you can’t get everything done at once, life at U of T will be much easier to handle and enjoy!