Exeter, Devon UK • Mar 28, 2024 • VOL XII

Exeter, Devon UK • [date-today] • VOL XII
Home Lifestyle Easing into term 2

Easing into term 2

Print Lifestyle editor Zoe Sperry advises us on how to readjust to university life and make the most of term 2.
5 mins read
Written by

Easing into term 2

Image: Nick Morrison, Unsplash

Print Lifestyle editor Zoe Sperry advises us on how to readjust to university life and make the most of term 2.

There’s nothing more dreadful than that 8.30am lecture on the first day back at university. After a full month of Netflix binge-watching and festive parties, returning to the intensive life of long library hours and late-night essay writing can feel uninspiring. And for those who had exams at the start of this term, any motivational energy might have already been fully expended before classes have even started again. So here are some tips to help ease yourself back into the university lifestyle and head into this next term strong:

Get organized – if you didn’t invest in a planner in term one, then perhaps now is the time to do it. Look through your modules so you know exactly what to expect, what work you’ll have to do each week, and when the major deadlines are – and then write this down. Having a single, secure place where you can plan out your weeks and look ahead to any upcoming assessments will prevent any last-minute panic writing.

Take it easy – it wouldn’t be “easing” into the term if you were diving headfirst into the pit of academic work.

Fix that damaged sleep schedule – one of the glories of vacation are those guilt-free lie-ins day after day; but it’s a danger to enter the term with an internal clock set to nocturnal hours. Slowly build up a regular sleep schedule over the course of a couple of days. Don’t go from waking up at 11 am to 8am instantly – gradually wake up half an hour earlier each day to allow your body to adjust; and the same principle applies for going to bed earlier.

Take it easy – it wouldn’t be “easing” into the term if you were diving headfirst into the pit of academic work. Perhaps you’re actually feeling energized after a break from university, but giving your all in the first few weeks will only lead to an early burn out, before the real grunt work of end of term assessments hits. Get ahead where possible, but don’t overwork yourself this coming month.

Focus on your wellbeing – returning to university is not about returning to a world engrossed by work; it means returning to friends, to societies, and to hobbies. Establish a routine that will allow you to dedicate time every day to doing the things you love. Keeping up social activities as well as down time to relax shouldn’t be sidelined just because the term has started – they should be made even more of a priority. Remember that planner I mentioned? Use it to schedule in not just your workload, but also some me time, and you’ll be in a much stronger position to fight off those January blues.

You may also like

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign Up for Our Newsletter