Hit the ground flying

New semester, new you? After weeks of fun in the sun, it’s time to hit the books. And whether you’re a new enrolment or a seasoned student, you may be feeling overwhelmed. But don’t worry, here’s a refresher on hitting the ground flying to help you put your best foot forward. 

Spread your wings and study.

It’s no secret, finding the motivation to study can be challenging at best. So you want to set yourself up for success from the get-go. Here’s a good place to start.

Disengage to engage: Before you even enter the lecture theatre, think about what’s going to distract you when you’re there. Block your favourite procrastination platforms with this free browser extension or just switch your phone off – your followers can wait. Better yet, why not ditch the devices altogether and put pen to paper?

Abbreviate ur notes: As hard as we try, keeping up with our tutors is almost impossible. Frantically scribbling each and every word just makes your hand cramp. The key is to use abbreviations as you go – creating an all new vocabulary of short cuts. Then, get into the habit of revising your notes and translating them in full later.

Refresh your writing: Before your assignments hit like a tonne of bricks, brush up on your essay writing so you’re ready. Most universities offer refresher courses at the beginning of a semester. These remind you what lecturers are looking for and what you’re trying to achieve. You can also keep a checklist of writing tips at the ready.

Out of the nest.

Whether you’ve left your parents place, or last year’s dank flat, getting settled into a fresh pad comes with extra responsibilities. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Share the burden: Even the best flatties can do you dirty. So make sure you’re not the only one with your name on the bills or lease. That way, if rent day rolls round and not everyone’s paid their dues – you won’t be the only one liable. Set up direct payments from a shared bank account and keep your collective credit clear.

Scrub up well: Creating a cleaning roster is the best way to avoid both bugs, and flat fights. Set a consistent standard for cleaning and buy specific products for each job, including sponges. It’s also a good shout to give your products time to work their magic. For example, applying toilet cleaner in advance means less elbow grease later.

Party like a pro: Okay, so this one isn’t a responsibility per se. But the aftermath DEFINITELY is. Before the crowds roll in, make a party plan with your flatties and stick to it. Keep the gathering contained to just a couple of rooms. Move all your valuables to one safe space. And have rubbish bags stocked and ready for a speedy clean up.

Prepare for landing.

Student life comes with stacks of highs. But there can also be lows. It’s important to take care of your mental health, so here’s a couple of gentle reminders.

Nourish your mind: Ever heard the saying “you are what you eat”? Well, try your best not to turn into a pack of two-minute noodles throughout the semester. Five-Plus-a-Day is no joke. Studies show that diets high in fruit, vegetables and magnesium can reduce depression and anxiety. So to keep yourself in a good mood, eat good food.

Check-in and chat: Whether it’s a yarn with a friend, or a session with a professional – checking-in is healthy. So don’t keep your feelings bottled up. Most universities provide awesome mental health services that are totally free. So why not make the most of the resources on offer? And please, never feel ashamed to ask for help.

Walk it out: We all know exercise is a good for us. When we get physical, our body releases dopamine and endorphins that make us feel happy. And taking a break for exercise is especially important if you’re busy studying. So if it’s a trip to the local shops, or just a friend’s place round the corner – walk it out.