You can’t fit it all in over the next few weeks, so you need to realistically prioritise what is most important with the time you have left. Can you really concentrate when studying with your partner or friend? You may find it difficult to not see your favourite person every day of the week, but the dedication to your studies could be the difference between a 2.1 and a 2.2 in that final!
This season does not mean you lock yourself away completely. Spending time with your partner or friends can alleviate the pressure, but do this in moderation. Therefore, plan your social time in advance. In the past, I have blocked out 4 hours of a Friday or Saturday night for social time so I can be fully present for date night or a group trip to the movies!
Unfortunately, when assignment season comes around, mundane tasks still need to get done! The food shop, cleaning the flat and so on. Why not reward yourself with a ‘little treat’ once the chores are done? Don’t forget to allocate sufficient time to relax so you can recharge. Take a long bath or shower, get outside for a walk, have a pamper evening, listen to music, and remember to sleep by creating a regular schedule!
Do not let others make you feel bad for prioritising yourself and your studies. The best thing you can do is be open about how much time you can commit to the relationship (which is why step 1 is so important!). The right person will understand and support you; the wrong person will guilt trip you into thinking you’re being selfish – so watch out!
Ultimately, this is a short-term sacrifice for a long-term gain. It is possible to maintain and balance your relationships with assignment season, so try not to worry too much!
If things do feel overwhelming and you’re struggling, contact the NUSU Support and Advice Hub. You can find more information here: https://nusu.co.uk/support
