Advice for completing your first deadlines at university

By the title, you are likely assuming that its writer possesses a knack for organisation and self-motivation. However, I can assure you I am far from a master of meeting deadlines myself. I certainly made my fair share of mistakes throughout my first year at university. At least now, you might not have to.

Initial deadlines can be particularly challenging due to several factors. The greater independence offered by university and its self-directed approach to learning is undoubtedly daunting. On top of that, as a fresher, there is the need to balance newfound social freedoms with academic responsibilities. Just as you begin adjusting to your new environment, you are met with a barrage of due assignments. Suddenly, the realisation dawns upon you, your degree may be the reason you moved here, not the blue trebs.

Nonetheless, remembering that your peers are all in the same position is always reassuring. My first piece of advice would be to take advantage of this: prompt conversations about essay ideas or note-taking strategies. However, when it comes down to it working collaboratively is not always practical. Whilst mutual support is beneficial, constant distractions in shared study spaces of the library are not.

Regardless of a diminishing timeframe, always try avoiding panic mode. Even in cases of working down to the wire, I would still stress the importance of planning. Of course, this guidance is by no means ground-breaking. Yet, I know I have been tempted to jump the gun myself and immediately begin writing in those dreaded final days. I can thus confirm wholeheartedly actually organising your thoughts and materials will always make for a more efficient writing process.

Of course, last-minute submissions can become an unfortunate reality for any student. The important part is learning from these mistakes and working to avoid them in the future. It is possible to sacrifice the odd non-essential activity, people. I promise your TikTok ‘for you’ page is not going anywhere.

As I mentioned originally, I am no prodigy. In truth, there is no one-size-fits-all method to approaching deadlines. Above all, taking time to look after yourself during stressful periods will ultimately benefit any work which you produce. Best of luck!