IT’S A JUGGLING ACT: How to balance university, work and a social life
Written by Grace Pehar
University life is a constant juggling act. You are studying, striving to achieve the best grades possible as well as working part time to keep up with your finances, which in turn help fuel your social life. I mean, we’re in our early 20s and FOMO can hit hard sometimes. We want to hang out with our friends, play sports, watch the latest movies at the cinemas, try the next hottest brunch place in town and so much more.
Phew, that’s a lot to do with only so much time. This can leave you feeling like you are unable to breathe. Can we have it all? How do we do it? Here are four tips to help you manage uni, work and a social life.
1. STUDY SMARTER NOT HARDER
I must admit, I am guilty of this also, spending hours in the library pouring over lecture notes, journal articles and books. However, this is not effective. It’s a common misconception that great results are achieved through longer hours of studying.
Experts relay that the phenomenon of studying smarter, not harder, will improve the amount of knowledge you retain, furthermore your ability to apply the information in necessary occasions. How do you study smarter? This article may help.
My tip: study a topic in-depth, then give yourself a few hours or even days before studying it again. This is great ‘spacing’ and helps strengthen your memory. So, go for a break, take that walk and breathe some fresh air.
2. ASK FOR HELP WHEN YOU NEED IT MOST
University for me is like a cold plunge pool. At the beginning, you are thrown into the deep end expecting to manage your own studies, time and schedule in order to keep up with the demands university brings forth. I think it’s important to learn to ask for help. If you are struggling with your current workload at uni as well as work, talk to someone you trust to give you guidance in taking the next steps.
I have learnt that those who ask for help tend to get back on track and succeed more quickly. As high achievers, the desire to excel in your class or current job often hinders us from asking for help due to wanting to keep up with expectations of ourselves. While it may look like everyone else is flourishing (especially on social media), just remember that the transition to uni can be difficult for most. And there is no shame in asking for help when you need it. Having a community of support will surprise you!
My tip: Make friends with at least one classmate in each class and check in on each other during stressful periods.
3. MANAGE YOUR SCHEDULE EFFICIENTLY
The temptation of piling up exciting things in your schedule can leave you feeling overwhelmed. I am guilty of wanting to fit in every new experience especially while I am at university. It is important to remember that there are only 24 hours in one day, and if you try to cram it all in, you will burn out very quickly. Take your time, block off sections for specific activities and STICK to your plan. Whatever isn’t planned, don’t do it. One thing to keep in mind is your calendar and routine may change depending on the time of the year. So learn to be a bit flexible and adapt to situations too.
My tip: calendar blocking or time blocking is a great time management method to help you prioritise your time and busy schedule.
4. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
Sometimes, leading a busy student-work-social life balance can mean neglecting regular healthy habits such as your fitness and eating healthy meals. Being physically healthy enables you to have better overall health as well as better relationships. Exercising and eating well reduces stress as well as builds your immune system, helping you improve your physical and mental health. Additionally, getting good sleep is also crucial. During hectic times in our lives, we often forget that our bodies need time to reset and rest. Sleep helps the brain function properly and if this doesn’t occur, issues can form in regards to decision-making and solving everyday problems.
My tip: schedule regular self-care days or time within your week to ensure you are physically and mentally healthy.
Balance is about being more efficient with the time you do have. There will be times when it is almost impossible to have a break however, setting boundaries and following a routine is what will help keep you organised. Set realistic goals and ultimately, do what you can with what you have, where you are.