The past two academic years have been filled with disapointment and unfulfilled expectations. Hopefully, universities should offer in person teaching this year, but neverthless, here are our top ten tips to make uni life a little easier on you.
1. Fix your sleeping schedule
We’ve all become accustomed to late nights and lie-ins, but now’s the time to fix up! Before university even begins, make sure you fix your sleeping pattern. Get plenty of rest, so you feel refreshed and ready for the upcoming year.
2. Make sure you’re eating well
A lot of students skip breakfast due to their fast and quick-paced routine. Make sure you have something for breakfast to kickstart your day. Eat whole, natural foods and avoid processed foods. It has been confirmed that there are links between fast food and depression, so eating healthy can only reduce stress. Do some meal prep and form your own go-to recipes that are quick and easy for you to cook while studying.
3. Recap your learning
Look back at the concepts you have learned in your previous year; it’ll help you be a little less flabbergasted when you are reunited with them again.
4. Deep clean
That’s right, you heard me. Refresh your bedroom, organise your notes, clean your desk from it’s haphazard mess. You can’t start university with chaotic surroundings.
5. Exercise regularly
Nothing intense; just something consistent to ensure you are keeping fit. Just 20 minutes of exercise before studying can improve your concentration and help you focus your learning. Release those endorpins and get moving!
6. Budgeting
Being without money will only add to your stress. Make plans for how you will manage your finances while studying. Plan how much you will spend per week on groceries, bills, rent/accommodation, leisure, etc.
7. Being with loved ones
Spend plenty of time with your family and friends. When university starts, you are only going to get busier and have less time.
8. Enjoy the remains of your holiday before the workload piles up
Live the last parts of your holiday to the fullest! Be spontaneous; go for long bike rides, meet with old friends, book an impromptu holiday to Spain! (you won’t be able to do this during the semester!)
9. Make long term plans
Start to think about what it is you really want to achieve in the future. Find the topics you are passionate about in your degree- it may give you some ideas for your dissertation. Start to think of a profession for after your graduate. And if you don’t know yet, don’t worry! Try new things; internships and work experience could help you find your future career.
10. Give yourself time
Finally, when you actually start university, don’t expect everything to be the same as it was last year. Give yourself time to adjust. Have a night out to celebrate your first day back at uni and spend time reacquainting yourself with classmates. Don’t put pressure on yourself to know everything. Acquiring knowledge and experience takes time, and university is the perfect place for this.
Wondering whether university will be online or face-to-face? For the latest information, read Universities May Return to Face-to-Face Teaching.
