Written by Meg Seis.
We are fast approaching the end of Session 2 and for some, the prospect of having summer off to enjoy working, placement, holidaying and spending some time in the sunshine is on the horizon.
2023 has been a jam-packed year on all campuses with some great events, studying and fun that’s been had.
The year isn’t over for everyone, however, as some students buckle up to tackle some subjects over Session 3.
This may be a daunting thing, especially if it’s your first time taking a summer subject, as balancing a work-life balance as well as studying and enjoying the busiest social season of the year can be tricky to navigate.
It isn’t all doom and gloom ahead, however. There are a number of benefits to studying in Session 3 and it can be a really effective way to manage your enrolment plan.
There may be the short-term pain of balancing studying while working long harvest hours or fitting in that annual coastal getaway with the extended family, however this allows you to get more subjects done and will be beneficial for the completion of your degree.
Whether it’s a course requirement or you are simply trying to get ahead, there is always a silver lining to putting in the hard yards now.
Now it’s all well and good to say there are benefits to studying over Session 3, but that doesn’t run the distance of staying motivated and positive throughout the entire session.
Staying motivated, especially while learning via distance can be tricky, especially if you attend uni face-to-face during the rest of the year.
Set some goals early in the session for what you would like to achieve.
Whether that goal is to have assessments in early or setting hours you wish to dedicate to studying each week, setting goals can help you stay motivated to tick things off, and can keep you on task as well.
Positivity can also be waning at times, especially around the festive season when your social calendar is packed, and friends seem to be doing fun things all the time but you feel like you can’t or become too exhausted if you do.
Maintaining positivity and focus to execute the session successfully can be achieved with a few small steps.
Consider some of the following tips to keep your mind sharp while in the books and optimistic to last the entire semester:
- Get outside and take a break every now and then – fresh air and some dirt between your toes is one of the best things to clear your mind and get some clarity.
This could be gardening, helping out on the farm if you live in a rural community, or going for a walk with nature.
Playing with your furry friends can also be a great endorphin boost and another great way to keep everyone happy.
- Get some form of physical exercise in daily – whether this is just a walk around the block or you’d rather lifting weights in the gym or playing a team sport, exercise helps improve focus and keep you fit and healthy as well.
- Schedule out your timetable for the session so things aren’t left until the last minute – there is nothing worse than having a 3000 word assignment to do the night before it’s due, or having an exam to cram study for because you have managed your time poorly throughout the session.
Set aside some time early to plan out your session early, including important dates and when things are due.
Balance this with scheduling time out with friends and family, social functions, exercise, work and other commitments so you don’t have to miss out on anything.
Be sure to allocate time for friends and family, otherwise you can feel like you are missing out.
- Meal planning and prepping to be more organised and make sure you get some healthy meals in around all the drinking and cob loaves you find at Christmas parties or catch ups is a great way to keep yourself feeling well and have the mental clarity to hit the books the morning after.
- Take a break and sit outside to watch the sunset or sunrise. Australia is blessed with some amazing colours across the sky and is a great way to appreciate our natural wonders of the world.
- Call a friend or support person for a chat if you are in need or require some motivation. They are often the best way to boost your mood and help you get back on task!
Having a friend who is also studying is a great way to help drag each other along for the ride.
And finally, at the end of the day, remember that it is okay to say no.
If you are exhausted and overwhelmed with everything on and feel it is too busy, it is more than okay to say no sometimes.
People will understand and it is most important to look after yourself and keep your own cup full.
Useful links & a final note from Meg.
For more information and study support these links are a great place to go for any support.
There is study support and academic skills help for assistance with referencing, academic writing, exams, assessments and so much more.
You can talk to someone and have an appointment if necessary so make sure to use these free resources.
For Study Support click here.
For Academic Skills help click here.
