On my to-do list this week: read two 250 page books, complete seminar group questions, and write a presentation. Yes... University is not for the faint hearted, but it's also a place where you have the freedom to learn life skills, explore new passions, and finally, enjoy life!
My number one tip; don't bring work home. Make university a 9am to 5pm dedication! We're spending nearly £10,000 for access to lecture content, library study spaces, and career teams. So don't waste time commuting back and forth. When you get home you can focus on reviving your social life (and wellbeing) without being burdened by work. Plus weekends are work free!
Now this tip has got me through both years... Use Notion! I've seen all sorts of notes - paper to files scattered (and lost) across Word. Everyone works differently, but if you haven't used Notion before, a little planning goes a long way.
Not only are my lecture notes filed, but my to-do list and calendar are all on the same page. It's a horrendous app to set up, but a quick 10 minute YouTube video will set you through the basics.
Now we've covered excelling academically, let's focus on keeping the will to live...
When we think of university social life, the default idea is bars and clubs. But memories can be made through travel to homemade crafts and societies.
You don’t need cars, money, or planes to travel. Take the metro to Whitley or Tynemouth for just £3, or go further into Durham or Edinburgh (see my earlier articles for itinerates!). Fancy something even closer? Visit Jesmond Dene and see the Autumn colours against the waterfall; you'll be amazed at what a walk outside of the city will do to your mind.
Talking of Autumn... make a bucket list! Here's a few ideas from mine: make spooky pizzas, decorate the house with paper pumpkins, have a board-game night, carve pumpkins (55p at Tesco), and sip hot chocolate watching Harry Potter. Make yourself something to look forward to at the end of a 9 to 5!
There's no doubt that university is hard, and finding a work-life balance is even harder, but the social leaps you make now will define the rest of your life, so don't hold back!