The New Year might be synonymous with a fresh start, but as a student, it can often feel like the ultimate nail in the proverbial coffin. With final exams looming and your grades already taking a hit from all your studying over the past few months, you might feel frustrated and more than a little pessimistic about what 2023 has in store for you.
However, instead of letting this new year bring you down, why not embrace it rather than resist it? Instead of dreading another 12-month period of separation from friends and family, why not make the most of being back at school? Here are some handy tips for helping to make this January one of your most successful yet as a student.
1. Try new things
If your New Year’s resolution is to try something new, then now is the perfect time to do it. Whether that’s learning a musical instrument, picking up a new sport, starting your own extracurricular Club, or volunteering in your local community, there are a host of ways you can try to take your mind off your studies and have a new, exciting hobby to focus on instead.
Whether you go out and try some exotic cuisine or take a cooking course, there are endless ways to spark your studying with something a little different. Plus, when you’re enjoying yourself so much more, you’re likely to put in a whole lot more effort!
2. Meet new people
When you’re at university, you’re likely to meet a whole lot of new people. Whether that’s with your fellow students, your lecturers, your tutors, or your friends from another course, there are bound to be a few that you click with. During this busy period, it can be easy to fall into the habit of keeping to yourself and staying away from the social scene.
Instead, why not put your efforts into connecting with some of your fellow students? Whether you meet them at social events, in your course, or even just over the coffee shop, building a close-knit group of friends is one of the best ways to ensure that you have someone to talk to when you’re stressed out and need a shoulder to lean on when exams are looming.
3. Don’t sweat the small stuff
While it’s important to stay focused on the big goals and ambitions you have for the future, it’s important to remember that right now, you’re still a student. Whether you have a C in your Accounting paper or you failed an assignment because you couldn’t get a rough idea of the topic, there’s no need to let these small setbacks sink you.
One of the best ways to take the pressure off yourself is to not sweat the small stuff. Knowing that your grades are going to go up and down at every university, don’t worry about each and every one of them. Instead, focus on the things you can control, like your effort and your attitude.
4. Take some time to disconnect
With social media taking center stage in so many people’s lives, it can be easy to feel like you’re missing out on something if you’re not regularly scrolling through your newsfeed. However, there’s no reason you need to log into your Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter account while on holiday during the New Year or while you’re on your own.
For all its benefits, social media can be incredibly stressful. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others and letting your insecurities get the best of you. Instead of relying on a screen to keep you going, why not make an effort to relax and unwind?
5. Make memories with your friends
It might feel like you’ve known each other for years, but the truth is that you’ve only known each other for a few years while you’re studying. While it’s easy to let this distance and the fact that you’re not as close as you once got between you, why not make the most of being back in the same social circle?
There are so many ways you can make the most of being back in the same social circle when you’re a student again. Whether you try to rekindle the friendship you once had with an old friend or try to make some new memories with your fellow classmates, there’s no better time to put some effort into building strong relationships.
6. Help others and yourself
Studies have shown that people are happier when they help others, and helping yourself out can be the best way to boost your happiness levels. While this may sound like a cliché, making time to look after yourself can often help you to perform better when it matters most. Whether this comes in the form of getting a good night’s sleep, eating a healthy diet, or taking regular breaks, making time for yourself is one of the best ways to boost your personal happiness.
When you make an effort to look after yourself, you’re also likely to perform better when it matters most. If you’re feeling stressed about your exams, it’s important to remember that taking some time out to relax and unwind is one of the best ways to help you calm down and refocus.
Finally, don’t forget that you’re always supported and encouraged at university. Whether you need to improve your current grades, find a new course that better suits your interests, or make the most of your time at university, there are plenty of support structures available. most importantly, have fun.
