Written by Catalina Constantin (2022 DMU Alumni)
Starting the new year feeling fresh and organised will be beneficial for you. I found that having a tidy study space where I could focus and avoid distractions was one of the first things I needed to be able to concentrate on learning. You don’t necessarily need a designated area to study but it could help to get back into your work mindset. Figure out what works best for you. Try, review, and adjust. These tips will give you the confidence you need to feel prepared and ready to kick off the term with a positive mindset for study!
- Set positive, realistic goals for the term
You can stay motivated and get the outcomes you desire by setting objectives for yourself and making a commitment to accomplishing them. And the beginning of the term is the perfect time to set them since you are feeling renewed and energised. Establish specific and attainable goals. Be precise and acknowledge the work needed to accomplish those goals. You could then break down the lengthy and complex projects into manageable tasks. It will appear more manageable and less overwhelming as a result.
- Set up a routine
Do you have trouble getting things done? Never undervalue the importance of having a routine, particularly when it comes to your work and study times. Your workload will feel manageable if you try to practice a routine every day. If you don’t want to be stressed out, consistency is essential. Even if you can’t always follow a schedule, create a framework so that you can stay focused and on course. Maybe some guidelines, such as “finish tasks at least three days before they are due,” would be helpful. I used to trick myself into believing that deadlines were one or two days in advance.
- Use school planners and calendars
I cannot emphasise enough how helpful this was for balancing several part-time jobs and extracurricular activities while simultaneously attending university classes. Sticky notes and alarm clocks should not be overlooked. Time management is important. Get a planner, if you don’t already have one, and write down all of the significant dates for the year. Keep track of the dates of your exams and assignments in your planner. Planning for only five minutes a day might be sufficient. This can help you visualise your next plans and the obstacles you need to overcome.
- Focus
While they may be useful in many ways during study sessions, computers and phones can also be a big distraction. It’s too easy to lose hours of the day by scrolling through TikTok and Instagram. When necessary, use your phone, but when you’re finished, be firm with yourself. To avoid being tempted to take “another quick peek,” turn it off or move it to a distant place.
- Develop your own anti-stress strategies
Gaining the ability to manage your stress and balance your life is a beneficial skill. People are trying to cope with stress differently. Eliminating stress is the most crucial step. Of course, if our thoughts are wasted, we cannot study in a constructive manner. Remembering how vital it is to spend time doing activities you enjoy is an excellent and easy method to achieve this.
Don’t forget to reward yourself for all your hard work. Good luck!
If you would like to get in touch about any stress-related accommodation issues you can call us on 0116 467 0315, send us an email at enquiries@sulets.com, or pop into our lettings office on the DMU campus.
Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash