It is easy to become overwhelmed whilst at University. There is just so much to do; lectures, course assignments, extracurricular activities, and social events. One thing that I have learnt through my time as a student is that organisation is key when it comes to striking the right balance between work and life.
Being organised is very simple to master once you know how. It will save you a whole lot of stress, time and money if you keep on top of your life at University.
Keep a diary
This does not have to be a pen and paper notepad, although if you the idea of having an old-school diary then fill your boots! Start planning by utilising your phone’s calendar to assist you in keeping track of commitments. Using a diary properly will alleviate the stresses that unexpected deadlines can cause and ensure that you are always prepared for University.
Write to-do lists
Ticking off completed tasks can leave you feeling extremely productive, even if you have spent the entire day working in your pyjamas. If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, break everything down into smaller and more manageable tasks over an extended period of time. This way, no task seems too big or too difficult to complete and you will stay on track to get everything done.
Get enough sleep
Ensure that you get at least eight hours sleep each night to ensure that you wake up feeling refreshed and motivated for the day ahead. Read my blog on ‘How to perfect your evening routine’ to uncover the secrets of getting a great nights sleep.
Organise work into folders
Whether you keep paper notes or prefer electronic records, ensure that all your work is categorised into folders so that it is easily accessible at any given time. You will save yourself a lot of time searching for relevant material if all your notes are stored in a coherent way. Revision time is for revising, not for organising folders!
Invest in a key tray
Do you find yourself turning up late to events because you are constantly forgetting where you put your housekeys or wallet? Invest in a key tray to store your essentials and keep it by the front door. This will ensure that all your necessities are easy to find when you need to promptly dash out of the house.
Know your limits
It is ok to say no sometimes. If you agree to do everything all the time, it will negatively impact your studies and mental wellbeing. Be selective in your approach to taking on extra commitments and ask a tutor or friend for help when you begin to feel overwhelmed.
Back-up work
Never trust that a computer will not crash and lose all of your work. If you have spent weeks writing an essay or working on a project, then take the time to back it up on an external device or online platform.
Prepare meals in advance
Eating well is an essential part of looking after yourself whilst living away from home. Batch cooking meals and preparing all of your food in advance is a great way to save money and time on deciding what you are going to eat.
Take one thing at a time
Finally, remember that stressing about your workload will not solve anything. Try not to panic, take a few deep breaths and then begin tackling one thing at a time.