5 tips to balance your studies alongside your social life

Balancing your academics and your social life is a major hurdle for many students, including myself. It can be tough to resist the temptation of exciting events taking place at my accommodation and at UCL when I have exams or assignments looming over my head. In this blog I will share the top tips and tricks I use to stay on top of it all!

1. Effective time management

Although it may sound like a common and overused suggestion, managing time effectively can truly make or break academic and social life balance. One of the best ways to achieve this is by creating a schedule ahead of exams and assignments to prioritise tasks. Simply committing an hour per day to studying can prevent last minute cramming and can leave time for any social events you want to attend. By sticking to a planned schedule, I am able to tackle everything on my list without missing out on important events or fun activities.

2. Prioritise your mental health

Good mental health and wellbeing is critical when maintaining a balance between studying and social life. Instead of drowning in worry and stress, consider attending events, such as those offered by the Student's Union that are specifically arranged to help students de-stress. My personal favourite is when the therapy dogs visit. Those cute dogs are instant de-stressors. But that’s not it, a number of activities take place almost daily, that students can participate in. Another great way to de-stress is to find a relaxing hobby that calms your and makes you feel refreshed. I personally enjoy running and whenever I am anxious, I go out for a run in one of the parks nearby.

3. Creating to-do lists

I regularly create to-do lists and rate everything on those lists out of 10. This helps me to prioritise what needs to be done first and what can wait until later. The most important tasks are rated higher so that I'm aware of what needs to be completed first. This method can work wonders in managing time and getting things done when you have multiple things to accomplish and are unsure where to begin. 

4. Create a study spot

The environment we work in greatly influences our productivity. Whether you thrive in the tranquillity of libraries or the buzz of a local café, figure out what evokes the best work from you and embrace ut. Personally, I like to book a library room with friends to work in, so we can bounce ideas off of each other and have lunch together, ultimately fostering a productive, collaborative, and social atmosphere.

5. Eat healthy

Consuming nutritious foods will help your mind and your body. A balanced diet can support you with maintaining higher energy levels throughout the day. After a long day or week, treat yourself to a night out at your favourite restaurant with your friends!

Being a student is a full-time job and requires a lot of energy so it is important to look after yourself throughout the process. Some exams and assignments might require more time and effort as opposed to others, so don't feel bad when you say no to friends who are asking to hangout when you are close to a deadline or have a lot on your to-do list, as sometimes a compromise is required. However, once you have accomplished enough on your schedule, feel free to go out and enjoy!