Written by Luke Gibson
It’s that potentially difficult time of the year when various areas of your University experience have the ability to collide. The time when you’re building to your final exams and/or assessments being due. At the same time, there’s the preparation required for Session 2: which subjects to choose, bearing in mind there’s that CSU bonus session over summer that allows some subjects to be taken in Session 3.
You may have requested and had extensions confirmed for assessments, but realise in doing so, you’ve eaten into that all important downtime between Sessions 1 and 2. And perhaps the most important decision needs to be made: are you going north for the sunshine, or south for the snow during your break?!
This collision of events can be stressful and stress can breed more stress. It’s vitally important to recognise when you are feeling this way and to take essential steps to do something about it.
This may include:
- Stepping away from your studies momentarily
- Reminding yourself of “why” you took up study to begin with
- Breaking down each task into smaller sub-tasks
- Spending time with family and friends
- Connecting with CSU colleagues
- Watching a sunrise or sunset
- Working through any stress issues with a professional service
- Taking time out for exercise
Any difficult situation will ultimately pass, but it’s important to be able to access tools in order to cope with temporary stress. Charles Sturt provides counselling services to its students, and if stress is a factor in your life, then it’s worth reaching out to utilise this service.
An essential part of my process these days is to be able to do self-reflection. This can be detailed or as casual as the moment allows. Self-reflection, in its most basic form, is to be able to turn your thoughts inwards, and in a non-judgemental way, observe and evaluate your feelings, thoughts and motivations.
From a Uni perspective, this might involve reflecting on how you went with your assessments. But it could also allow you to think about how you might possibly streamline your studying techniques for maximum benefit during the next session. The areas of self-reflection to think about are endless and of course can be used in all parts of our lives.
We all want to succeed throughout our University journey. But we can also enjoy the process at the same time, while we focus on our individual wellbeing.
For more information on student wellbeing visit: https://www.csu.edu.au/current-students/support/personal/student-wellbeing
Or view the full list of support services at Charles Sturt University, please visit here: https://www.csu.edu.au/current-students/support/student-services/support-services-directory
Charlie blog is a SSAF initiative.
