As a first year uni student, you’re navigating a whole new life experience – and there are two huge factors that go into this. One is studying, for the degree that’s going to set you up for a successful career, and the other is socialising. Making friends and making memories! But how do you balance the two without the need for a perfect university routine?
Create a routine that works for you
University gives you much more freedom than school or college, which can be a great thing – but it also means you’re responsible for managing your own time! At the start of each week, look at your lectures, seminars, deadlines and other commitments. Then work out when you’re going to study and when you can relax.
You don’t need to plan every minute of your day. Simply having an idea of what needs to be done can stop assignments from piling up at the last minute, leading to stress and panic…
Don’t leave assignments until the last minute
It’s tempting to put off an essay that’s due in several weeks, especially when your flatmates are heading out for the evening. However, leaving everything until the night before can quickly turn your social life into another source of stress.
Break larger assignments into smaller tasks. For example, you could spend one afternoon researching, another planning and another writing. Getting work done gradually means you’re less likely to have to cancel plans because of a looming deadline – and when you do go out, you can really enjoy it.
Make the most of your free time
Being organised doesn’t mean spending every spare minute studying! Your social life is an important part of university too, as it can really enhance the few years you spend getting your qualifications.
Make time to see your friends, join societies, play a sport, go to events or simply relax with your flatmates. Having things to look forward to can help you stay motivated when you’re studying. You also don’t have to go out every time your friends do. It’s perfectly fine to stay in and watch a film or have an early night when you need to recharge.
Learn to say no
One of the hardest parts of university can be feeling like you’re missing out, but remember: there will always be another night out, society event or opportunity to socialise. If you’ve got an important deadline coming up or you’re exhausted, it’s okay to say no.
Your friends will understand, and you can always join them another time. FOMO isn’t real…
Look after yourself
Getting enough sleep, eating properly and taking breaks can make a huge difference to your ability to study and enjoy yourself. Try not to rely on late nights and endless cups of coffee to get through the week. Give yourself time to switch off, exercise, eat a proper meal and get some sleep. Balance really is the key to success.
Find your own balance
And speaking of balance, there really is no “perfect university routine” that works for everyone. Some students might prefer studying in the morning and socialising in the evening, while others work better at night.
The key is finding a routine that allows you to keep up with your studies without missing out on the experiences that make university so memorable.
University is about getting your degree, but it’s also about making friends, discovering new interests and becoming more independent. Plan your time, stay on top of your workload and give yourself permission to have fun. Finding that balance will make your university experience much more enjoyable!
