It’s here – the most stressful time of year as a student, the time when deadlines are imminent, finals are just around the corner, and somehow your schedule is the busiest it’s ever been with holiday festivities and fitting in time to hang out with all your friends before break.
Don’t panic.
It’s easy to panic, but don’t. This guide will get you through the next month and a half in (more or less) one piece.
Credit: Louise Millar.
Organisation and time management
This will sound obvious, but time management is pivotal.
As a student, you’re likely juggling multiple responsibilities: leadership roles, course work, a part-time job, society events…and that’s not to mention friendships, a potential relationship, family, health, etc. It can all get overwhelming quite quickly. But having a system in place will alleviate some of that burden.
I recommend finding one method of scheduling and sticking to it. This could be a physical planner, where you write out events, work and class schedules, upcoming deadlines, hang-outs with friends – essentially everything – or this could be digital, using platforms like Google Calendar to layout your calendar. Digital scheduling is nice because you can keep a copy on your phone, so you always know where you’re supposed to be and what’s coming up.
Planning ahead is key. I’d recommend looking ahead at the rest of Martinmas. Write down key deadlines, upcoming lectures, the date you’re going home (if you’re going home), etc. Then take a step back and devise a plan to juggle it all. When is your final group presentation, what day is your essay due? Now work backwards and set benchmarks of when you hope to accomplish smaller tasks within projects as a whole.
And here’s your reminder that time management is all about balance. If you have an hour break between class and an event, is there reading you can work on for a bit? Or maybe a quick stop to the grocery? Finding little pockets of time can help you get tasks done earlier than when they’re due, hopefully preventing last-minute deadline stress! But, balance is key. You don’t want to over-work yourself and burn-out. So maybe an hour break between class and an event would best be spent grabbing a coffee from Taste with a friend or going on a walk along the Fife Coastal Path. You know yourself best, so listen to what your body is telling you.
Credit: Holly Lumsden.
Prioritising your health
You can’t succeed in any area of your life – work, class, relationships – if you’re not healthy.
And this time of year, when everything feels chaotic and overwhelming, makes it really easy to let your health slip by the wayside. But don’t let it! Your health is crucial.
Although easier said than done, it’s important to make sure your basics are covered. Ensure you’re getting a full night’s sleep (eight to nine hours), eating regular and balanced meals, taking mental health breaks, making time to socialise and recharge, and are taking care of your hygiene.
If you find that you’re struggling, the university has resources that can help.
The Advice and Support Centre (ASC) is there to give you advice on anything: money, flatmates, coursework, mental health, etc. They’re located at 79 North Street or can be contacted via phone (01334 46 2020) and email (theasc@st-andrews.ac.uk).
The Students Representative Council (SRC) is made up of students that can help you in multiple sectors, from academics to equality. You can email them at wellbeing@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Student Services, which ASC falls under, is your go-to service for nearly everything. They provide counselling and mental health services, immigration, disability, finance and academic advice, as well as pastoral support. You can call them at 01334 46 2720.
Credit: Louise Millar.
Make time for a social life
Depending on who you are, it might be easy to let your social life slip by the wayside during finals season, to find yourself stuck in the library day-in and day-out, staying awake into the wee hours of the night, feeling stressed out, tired, and overwhelmed.
This is where I’ll say to take a step back.
Your studies are important, and being at a university like St Andrews, the academic pressure can feel monumental. But remember, studying at St Andrews is a privilege. Living on the coast, being amongst such a large international student population, and having access to over a hundred student societies are all rare opportunities. So take advantage! You’ll find that when you step back, make time to meet a friend for coffee, get out and explore Fife, or attend a society event, your life feels more balanced.
Of course, we are here to learn, and your studies do matter – but this is a reminder not to let them overconsume, to find a balanced life where you won’t hit burn-out.
Beyond attending events, I’d encourage you to keep up your relationships during this busy season. Lean on friends and family as your support system. Call a long-distance friend, go out to the pub with a classmate – find outlets that give you a break from deadlines and dreadfully long readings.
Ultimately, we’ve all been there. Finals season is a lot, and you’re not alone in these feelings. But, you will get through it! Reframing your mindset and making small adjustments can ease the stress of the next month and a half, empowering you to find a balanced life.
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