With the beginning of shorter days, and the weather turning freezing, it’s extremely important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It seems impossible with so much uni work to do, but giving yourself a social outlet is essential to prevent burning out before finals, and allowing yourself a break from all that studying will help significantly!
...perfect study spots where you can get some work done with a coffee, away from the stresses of the library.
One thing that has helped me through assessment periods is finding a good place to study. I prefer cafes over the library, as they lessen the intensity of your study session, whilst still allowing you to get a lot of work done. Places such as ‘Social Bird’ on Fenkle Street and ‘Flower Café’ on Grainger Street are perfect study spots where you can get some work done with a coffee, away from the stresses of the library.
Keeping in touch with your creative side is also an easy way to maintain a good work-life balance
However, it is important not to let assignments consume you, especially during the upcoming period of seasonal depression, which can make people feel extra stressed. A social outlet is key, whether that’s a Sunday pub quiz on Osborne Road or attending a social night during the week for a society you’ve joined. Although we have passed the middle of the semester, all societies are still open to join, and taking your friends to a social or going alone and meeting like-minded people is a fun experience!
Keeping in touch with your creative side is also an easy way to maintain a good work-life balance. From arranging a paint and sip night with your friends, to visiting an art gallery in town, there are many creative opportunities available to help manage the stresses of the week. The Baltic on Quayside has four floors of uniquely amazing exhibitions, one of my favourites being ‘Saelia Aparicio: A Joyful Parasite’, which explores the interconnection between bodies, environments and systems of care through lights, sculptures and shadows. This exhibition is on until the 8th March 2026 and is completely free to enter, so I’d definitely recommend going!
Music is another way to escape from uni work, and with performances taking place in the evening, it gives you something exciting to look forward to after a day of productivity. ‘The Black Swan’ in the basement of the Newcastle Art Centre has free Jazz performances on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of the month. You can arrive anytime from 7pm to 10:30pm for a night of music and drinks, and hear live singing with an alternative mix of Afrobeats, Funk, Soul and world music intertwined with jazz!