As we creep towards a new term, it’s important to start thinking about how you can become your most productive self this academic year. It’s important to find the right balance between having fun at university and investing in your studies, so here are some of our best productivity tips for a new term…
Make the most of the ‘do not disturb’ feature
Your phone likely has a ‘do not disturb’ setting, and it is well worth using it when you’re studying – that way you won’t be distracted by group chats, messages from your mum asking if you’re eating healthily, or people asking you to come for a spontaneous night out. You can usually customise this setting, too, allowing certain people to still get through or blocking notifications from only specific apps. This will help you focus on your work!
Make a plan
At the start of a new term, it’s really important to gather key dates (such as deadlines and exams) and note these down in your diary or calendar – or even just on a sheet of paper in your student accommodation bedroom. If you know when all of your work needs to be done, you can create a solid plan going forward to allow yourself to complete it ahead of time. And you should always aim for your work to be done at least a day or two before it’s due; this way you’ll have time to check it over with fresh eyes before handing it in!
Get enough sleep
It is really important that you get enough sleep at night. This way you’ll wake up feeling fresh and motivated, ready to tackle whatever work or lectures you have happening that day. You’ll feel so much better if you regularly get your 8 hours, so be sure to prioritise a good night’s rest as often as you can.
Let people know you’re studying
If you find that you’re easily distracted by friends or flatmates, be sure to let people know that you’re taking some time to study and don’t want to be disturbed. That way you’ll be able to get through your work in a timely manner, and then have all the time for hanging out and having fun with your friends. This is one of those productivity tips we often overlook, but your friends will understand – after all, they’re students too.
Take regular breaks
Don’t spend a solid 6 hours studying with no breaks – as much as it might seem like this will help you get the work done, it will actually make things harder. Your brain will become overwhelmed and the information won’t actually sink in, and you’ll end up too bored to focus. This leads to distractions and ultimately, giving up with your work half-finished. Take regular short breaks: stretch your legs, drink some water, grab some fresh air. You’ll find studying easier in the long run!
As you ease yourself into the new term, remember that your studies are super important – but being productive also means prioritising rest and fun when you need to. Go forth and enjoy a wonderful academic year with these productivity tips, and do the best you can!
