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Getting back into studying can be hard when your routine has been broken, or it has been a long time since you last settled down to learn. After a long summer, or even a few years away from studying, it can be nerve-wracking getting back into the right mentality and self-discipline required to reach your goals. Here are a few helpful tips to help you get back on track…
Get organised
The independence you have as a student is one of the best parts of university life, but it brings with it responsibility for your own time management. Organisation is key when it comes to the deadlines you will face once the new term starts. Note down important dates into your calendar and use them to help build yourself a revision plan. This will make you feel empowered, in control and leave you free to set realistic study goals. There is no need to experience stressful last-minute panics about resources you might need to source or other commitments that might crop up along the way – all you must do is prepare.
Study in your student home
Research has found that trying to focus in a messy and cluttered environment is not possible. You must carve out a clean, clutter-free area, ideally in natural light that you know is your designated place to study. Add a desk lamp so that you don’t have to rely on dimly lit ceiling lights and treat yourself to some new stationary and a nice pen pot. If you make the setting for your work appealing, it will motivate you to spend time there.
Minimise distractions
If all the paperwork and flyers handed to you during Freshers Week have created a small mountain in your room, now is the time to bin the lot! Too much paperwork in your eyeline can be a distraction and lead to procrastination. The same goes for your mobile phone and planning your next social. Of course, it is so important to get out and meet new friends - but organise this before you settle down to work, put your phone away and use your date with friends as an incentive to motivate you.
Take a break
We all know that hitting-a-brick-wall-moment when your brain needs a re-set and it’s time to walk away from your desk. When this happens, it is time to retrieve your phone from its hiding place and arrange a quick walk or a coffee with friends. It’s perfectly natural and very important to take regular breaks – you should never feel guilty when you need one.
Meet new friends
Meeting new friends at university can be daunting even for the most confident people. The most important thing is to relax and understand that everyone is in the same boat as you, probably feeling the same way. Try opening your bedroom door from time to time to let people know they are welcome to come in for a chat. Spending more time in communal areas, going to the campus gym or joining a sports club are also great ways to meet people and make friends. If you are looking for student lettings in Leeds or anywhere else, try to find likeminded people as housemates. Having strong established friendships can create the support network you need to achieve your goals.
Be patient and kind to yourself – after a long break it can be hard to get back into a routine. Putting too much pressure on yourself can have the opposite effect and hold you back so be realistic with your goals. Don’t worry if it takes you some time to establish what works best for you – you will be back into the swing of studying in no time. If you are ever struggling, ask for help, there will always be someone such a counsellor or library staff member who will be able to help you.