How to balance study and life at university

It’s often assumed that students at uni get it easy. All they do is attend a few lectures a week and the rest is all parties and lazy hangover days.

However, for many that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Lots of students find themselves unable to cope with their workload, especially if they also have to take on a part-time job to help fund their studies.

If you're struggling with your workload and feeling like you’re heading for burnout, here’s our advice for getting back a healthy study-life balance…

1. Spend time with friends and family

Making time for the important people in your life is vital for your wellbeing. After all, it's important to connect with people and have real life interactions, rather than spending all your time looking at screens.

And spending time with the people that make you happy will rub off on you. You’ll be amazed by how much your mood changes for the better!

2. Set realistic goals

As important as studying is, it's impossible to study all day every day (and may not actually help). Trying to do this will only make you drained, bored and unable to take in information. Setting realistic goals in your personal life will help your wellbeing massively and can support you to think about life outside studying.

3. Plan out your time

Creating a schedule is straightforward and effective! As easy as it is, having a visual plan makes working towards a goal much easier and gives you direction. Creating your schedule will help to prioritise assignments that are due first and organise the remainder of your studies. Does this sound like less stress?

4. Make time for yourself

While you’re planning out your time, make sure you schedule in some well-earned ‘me time’ too. Making time for the things which make you happy is extremely important. Whether it's riding exhilarating rollercoasters or going to your favourite restaurant, it doesn’t matter - just try your best to relieve some stress.

5. Look after your health

We’re talking about both physical and mental health of course – and here are two important ways you can look after both at the same time:

Getting enough sleep: Getting the right amount of sleep (it’s recommended you get seven to eight hours per night) helps manage hunger levels, boosts your memory and even decreases risk of certain serious health conditions. While you don’t have to be tucked up in bed by 9pm every night, getting quality rest regularly will do you the world of good.
Eating healthily and eating enough: Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean you can never have chocolate again. It’s about being sensible with what and when you eat (e.g. not getting fast food at 2am every day or filling your stomach with nothing but instant noodles and beans). I know, all that stuff tastes nice and is cheap and convenient, but it’s not healthy! Making sure you are energised with healthy, enriching foods is key for looking after your wellbeing.

6. Get a part-time job

You might think that adding an extra task and responsibility will only add to your stress and tip the balance further into the “work” zone. But actually, the opposite could be true. If you have the time and capacity, getting a part time job can help with money and routine, but make sure it fits around your studies and wellbeing.

Your own plans are never 100%, right? You can cancel if you can’t be bothered. Whereas with work plans you have to turn up for your shift even if you can’t be bothered (if you want to keep your job that is). This level of planning and organisation is then a lot easier to apply to all aspects of both study and personal life, helping you to become a more organised, happier person!

These are just a few ways to help you find a better balance between your studies, social life and wellbeing. Implementing them really isn’t that hard and will benefit not just uni life but your whole future.

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