You're still settling in, and it's already time for your first submission/assessment? We know how world-shattering that feels, so here's your go-to (and actually useful) guide to getting through the storm with flying colours!
As a new student, one of the times when University hits you the most is when you get the first email for an announced deadline. You have barely settled in, still getting used to the cold, chilly air as Autumn starts setting in on campus, and the next thing you know - YOU HAVE A SUBMISSION! And this is where I strongly believe that we all realise whether we are the Type A or the Type B.
Whichever group you belong to, it's pretty scary for sure. We have put together a quick guide that we believe helps students in the simplest ways:
1. Block your time ⏰
It is usually quite easy to lose track of time and settle into a schedule when you are starting uni, and most days can feel like a lot, not leaving enough space for you to manage your studies. While that's completely normal, the easiest hack is to block certain hours completely off your day - it could be any time that works for you; the only catch being that you aren't allowed to do anything but study in those hours. So if you feel like an hour would be good, block an hour; if you need 5, take 5 - it's entirely on you. But that time is for nothing else.
Why does this work? Even if your other bits are still taking time to get into routine, you have a fixed schedule for studying, and it's easier to follow when you have decided to follow a schedule for one thing rather than 10.
2. Ask Questions ⁉️
There is no limit to the number of questions that you can ask in University, be it to your professors or your peers; if you have a doubt, ask it, discuss it and resolve it - a lot of times, things that would be stressing us out the most would be at the end of a simple conversation. Don't be afraid to ask questions; be afraid to not ask.
3. Cupp-a-tea 🫖
Sometimes the easiest way to get your work done is at a library or a cute café, especially when working by yourself can get boring and demotivating; all you need is people around you working as well. It motivates you in a way that you aren't the only one putting in the effort. And it's a collective experience. Plus, I don't think anything can beat a cosy café in autumn for sure ;)
Quick links:
10 Best Study Spots in Salford
Learning and Social Spaces on Campus
4. Phone-A-Friend ☎️
At times when you are absolutely knackered and have no urge to put in the work but still need to get the bits done, use your lifeline. Ask a friend to hold you accountable for your task. It could be a vice versa exercise. Adding an accountability partner or study group increases your chance of goal completion from 50% to up to 95% according to ATSD .
5. The Great POMODORO Method 🫡
If you have heard of this, give yourself a pat on the back - because this is one of the best methods for productivity, statistically proven. If not, don't worry; it's nothing fancy, I promise; if anything, it's the easiest and most efficient method to get your work done.
How does it work?
Backed by strong research, the Pomodoro method strategically times your work slot and break slot in a way that your brain doesn't get exhausted while still getting all the work in. The most common method is 4 slots of 25 mins of work with a 5-min break between each and a 15-30 mins break at the end of 4 slots, and you restart. Before you know it, you have already put in 2.5 hours of work without being exhausted. Best part: you can customise the time slots however you prefer for maximum efficiency.
The easiest way to get started: PomoFocus; Work but make it cute.
Best practice - decide on a task for each stretch; it makes it easier to organise and get your tasks done.
6. Study with strangers 📚
It's not as crazy as it sounds fr. If you prefer to study by yourself, in your own space, but are lacking motivation, you could join an online group with people from around the world studying/working; it's completely anonymous, and you can choose to have your character be present in a room full of other characters studying. It's cute, fun, anonymous and super low-commitment but also motivating enough to push you to finish your work, especially when the loneliness starts hitting and motivation starts fading mid-work.
Verified resources: Study Together; Focus Town; Study Stream
7. Ask the experts! 🧠
If you ever get stuck on anything academically, go to an expert. While it's tempting to go down the rabbit hole on Google or Reddit, most situations vary uni by uni and circumstances by circumstances - in cases like these, we have free resources for all Salford students. Take a look at our online guide or book yourself an appointment with our advice centre for confidential, 1-1 help.
Or get in touch with AskUS: Call: +44 (0)161 295 5000 | Email: askus@salford.ac.uk
8. Stay hydrated and eat proper! 🥑
As basic as it may sound, it's really important to give your body enough nutrients and energy to be able to put in the work and not get burnt out, and I don't mean a can of Red Bull or Monster when I say energy; so get some real food, ideally whole foods. It doesn't have to be fancy; it could be simple but nutritious. Best hack? Meal prep or batch cook for two days!
Looking for some uni-friendly quick recipes?
Extra tip: Did you know you could get your groceries for 50% off every Monday on Uber Eats, Deliveroo and JustEat (I recently discovered this and it's been life-changing haha)
All the best! And don't forget, you can reach out to us anytime for anything at all x