You might not be in third year yet, but everyone is going to have to reach that point at some time. It sounds terrifying; ever since freshers you will have been reminded that your work load is nothing on that of a third year student, and you think you don't have to worry about it for ages. Then before you know it, you ARE a third year. And it can be bloody scary. With the D word (not that D word) flying about left, right and centre all you can think about is how much work you have to do and how much more effort you're going to have to put in, and how little you're going to see the inside of Plug and how much less you're going to stagger along Carver Street. BUT it doesn't have to be horrendous, so here are my tips at how to cope with third year:
- Stay organised
Now I know this sounds obvious, but this is the most simple solution to prevent getting stressed. Whether you're using a diary, calendar or just the calendar on your phone it's best to have everything you need to do written down, it'll stop you forgetting things for one, but it'll also help you visualise how much you have to and maybe help you realise you have more time than you realise. When starting a To Do list make sure you start with a task you've already done, or are close to completing, this will help you to feel more motivated and you'll feel more productive already.
- Get out of the house
Make sure you still have a social life. It's easy to get wrapped up in your work and get overwhelmed by it all. I'm not saying go out every night of the week, you need to find the right balance. Just make sure you see people, interact, socialise with people that you don't live with at least a couple of times a day it'll calm you down and remind you that there is more to life than uni.
- Exercise
Not only is exercising regularly good for your health, but it'll also make you feel more refreshed and it will make you feel as though you've done something productive. I find that if I'm in a battle with myself over whether to keep doing more reading or whether to have a nap (a situation I regularly find myself in) I try to go to the gym instead and it not only wakes me up but also does't make me feel as though I've wasted the afternoon. It doesn't have to be a trip to the gym, it could just be a walk around the Botanical Gardens, but trust me you'll feel better for it.
- Call home
I don't know about you, but whenever I get stressed out I ring my mum or dad and I always feel better afterwards. In third year, it can be a struggle to find time to go home, especially if you have a part time job. So it can be easy to get home sick, a phone call home can help you out here. Also, make use of Sheffield's location, we are so lucky to have good train links to so many cities and other university towns, go visit some of your friends from home and lighten the load.
- Talk to your lecturers
The uni can provide a lot of support, whether it be one of the lecturers who teaches you or simply your departments support worker. The lecturers and staff are there to help you so utilise them. Your problem doesn't have to be in their specific area of knowledge for you to go to them, just speak to someone you trust if you're getting to be stressed out. You're not alone.
-GO OUT!
Yes, I know I know, we're not meant to go out as much in third year, but that doesn't mean you should never go out. Having a night out every once in a while is perfectly fine and it'll chill you out. Also, having a night out planned will give you something to look forward to.. Perhaps set yourself a target of how much work to do prior to your night out as motivation. Try not to have too big of a hangover the next day though ;)
I hope these tips help, not only in your final year but all other university years.
Good Luck!
Caitlin
x
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