Let’s be honest, once autumn rolls in, the skies get greyer, and suddenly you’re juggling deadlines all whilst battling the seasonal slump.
Uni in the colder months? Not for the weak.
But don’t stress, since it’s International Day of Peace we’re here to help you protect your peace as a uni student. So, here’s your go-to guide for protecting your peace when the winter chaos starts creeping in:
-Uni work: do it before it does you
Assignments have a sneaky way of showing up like jump scares. One minute you’re going out every night and the next you’re pulling an all-nighter with twenty tabs open and a breakdown brewing.
So yeah, the cliché is true - do your work early. Future you will thank you when you’re able to attend all them plans you said yes to instead of panic-writing at 3am.
-Keeping track of your money
Living your best student life is all fun and games until your bank balance hits £0.37 and you’re googling 'what can I make with no ingredients?'.
Set up a rainy day fund (even if it’s just £5 a week). Budgeting apps are your besties. And maybe skip that third takeaway this week...maybe.
-Move your body (even if it’s just to the corner shop)
Winter = dark mornings, cold evenings, and the temptation to literally stay in bed all day. But trust us, getting outside once a day is a game-changer.
Whether it’s a walk, a run, or joining a society to get out and about once a week, movement = mood boost.
Bonus points if you do it with a podcast or playlist that makes you feel like the main character.
-Cook something that isn’t beige
Food = mood.
Whip up something colourful, comforting, and budget-friendly. Even instant noodles can be elevated with a little creativity (and maybe some frozen veg).
-Sleep like it’s your side hustle
Pulling all-nighters might feel iconic, but sleep is the real . Create a bedtime routine that feels like a treat—think herbal tea, fairy lights, and a playlist that makes you feel like you’re in a coming of age movie.
-Romanticise the season
Lean into the cosy. Hot drinks, layered fits, rainy walks with a dramatic playlist - make winter your aesthetic. If you can’t beat the seasonal vibes, make them work for you.
Protecting your peace isn’t just about long hot showers and journaling (though those are great too). It’s about setting boundaries, checking in with yourself, and remembering that uni doesn’t always need to be full on.
So breathe, hydrate - You’ve got this, even when the vibes are well…depressing.