The hectic nature of university life can have many different effects on students. Fatigue from lack of sleep, difficulty focusing on lectures, and a higher stress level are just some of the side effects of busy university life.
The good news is that there are many things you can do to help manage your time. Here are some tips for balancing a busy university schedule.
Set a Workable Routine
You’re in university, so you’re most likely juggling a full schedule of coursework, assignments, a part-time job, and more. Establishing a routine is a tried and tested method to minimize stress and increase productivity. A practical and realistic routine helps manage all of the responsibilities you have without falling behind.
But don’t forget to take care of yourself, too! You’re not superhuman; you’re a student trying to work things out, so don’t make your routine a strict rule. Instead, keep it flexible, make adjustments, and don’t stress yourself out if you somehow slip away from your plan.
Also, try to keep your weekends free to catch on some sleep and relax after a week’s hard work. During the week, keep your work mode on and complete tasks early so you don’t have to cram. The “I’ll do it later” attitude cannot only disturb your schedule but also lead to more work for you. Eventually, it could even cause burnout.
Find Your Most Productive Time & Place
Are you more fresh, relaxed, and alert in the morning, between classes, or late at night? Similarly, does your roommate disturb your studies, or are you okay with people walking around while you try to focus?
It’s a good idea to try different times and places to find your most productive hours and environment. For some, corner coffee shops work well for studying, while others need the pin-drop silence of a library to activate their brain cells. Determine yours, and you’re sure to be more productive.
Take Breaks
Following the same everyday routine can eventually become boring and tiresome. As such, you should consider taking breaks whenever you can to switch off the “study brain” for a while and relax. For example, you could take a short break of five to ten minutes after every 30 minutes of studying. Also, consider taking a mental health day once every couple of months to unwind and re-energize your mind and body.
Get Enough Sleep
University students often don’t get enough sleep because of deadlines and unending assignments, coursework, meetings, and more. Remember that getting enough sleep every night is crucial for your health. So, you must set a proper sleep schedule and follow it as closely as possible. Doing so will help your brain function better and be more productive the next day.
Try New and Fun Things
Take some time off your busy life to try new things. For instance, you could visit a new place or browse student apartments for rent. North Oshawa has plenty of locations for you to explore during your downtime. Or, you could spend some time on your hobby or anything that interests you.
This is important for your mental and emotional health and can boost your productivity. Adding new experiences can be exciting and keep your energy levels high.
Spend Time With Your Loved Ones
Being in university doesn’t mean you have to put your family life on pause. Whether you live on-campus or off-campus, try to visit your family once a month. Or, you could do video calls if visiting your family isn’t feasible. Similarly, consider friends’ meetups every other week to stay connected and have fun.
Final Thoughts
Studies consume so much of the best years of our lives. Just because the clock is ticking and there’s a lot to do doesn’t mean you have to forget about yourself. Don’t allow the pressure to excel in school cause you to become exhausted and overworked.
Instead, develop a schedule that includes a balance of studies, work, and free time. You can tailor your schedule and change priorities as needed, since staying flexible will help you do well in university and beyond.
