Blog by Harini
With three major assignments due back-to-back in the same week, I had no choice but to test the limits of my stress management and time-balancing skills. Between pulling all-nighters, squeezing in student ambassador shifts, and meal prepping to keep myself fuelled, it was a week that pushed my limits. Now that I’ve made it through, I’m looking forward to a much-needed F1 weekend to unwind. Here’s a look at how I handled it all, and some tips for managing a packed schedule.
Prioritise Your Workload with a Timetable that Fits a Full Schedule
When I saw that all three of my modules had assignments due within the same week, there needed to be a plan to tackle. Setting up a daily timetable became a lifesaver, not only for coursework but for everything else I had to manage, like ambassador shifts and meal prep:
- Identify High-Priority Deadlines: I went through each assignment and broke down what needed to be done, then used the traffic light system with highlighters. My goal was to make sure I met each deadline without rushing at the last minute.
- Designate Time for Non-Academic Tasks: With ambassador shifts allocated throughout the week, I planned around these commitments by waking up early to complete the set study hours for the day, then fit in power naps where I could. I dedicated time for meal prepping early in the week and had a snack drawer in my desk.
- Keep it Flexible: Despite my best efforts, there were times when all-nighters were unavoidable. By staying flexible with my timetable, I could adjust when a shift or an unexpected task threw off my planned study blocks. I always had a tiramisu to keep me going through these nights.
Set Weekly Goals You Can Realistically Achieve
Breaking down assignments into small, weekly goals kept me grounded. Here’s how I handled it under the time crunch:
- Micro-Goals for Each Assignment: Instead of aiming to finish one assignment in a single day, I divided each into stages like planning, readings and writing. I made sure I’d tackled the research portion of each assignment first, then moved into gaining depth through readings as deadlines approached. This kept me from feeling overwhelmed.
- Daily Check-Ins: With so much happening every day, I’d take a few minutes each night to reassess what I’d completed and what needed more focus the next day. These small reflections helped me stay focused and adjust my goals if I fell behind on one assignment or another.
Find the Right Study Methods for Quick Retention
Since time was tight, I had to find study techniques that allowed me to retain information effectively without spending hours on end.
- Active Notetaking and Highlighting: Whether I was using my iPad or notebook, I made quick summaries and highlighted key arguments. This way, when I had to review, I could go straight to the main points rather than reading everything over again.
- Text-to-Speech for Readings: To multitask, I used text-to-speech software while commuting or during short breaks. This allowed me to stay caught up on readings even if I didn’t have the time to sit and read them all.
- Frequent Reviews: By reviewing my notes in small chunks each night, I was able to retain more information over time, even with my busy schedule.
Manage Stress and Avoid Burnout with Intentional Breaks
Between late nights and early mornings, managing stress and fatigue was essential. Here’s how I maintained some balance:
- Exercise and Movement: After each portion was done, I’d go on a walk such as up Arthur’s seat with a friend or watch the sunset up on Carlton Hill. Even just moving around between study blocks made a big difference in my energy levels.
- Quick but Nutritious Meal Prepping: Meal prepping saved me during this intense week. I prepared quick, balanced meals at the beginning of the week, so I didn’t have to rely on unhealthy options, especially when pulling all-nighters, besides the odd snack here and there.
- Short Breaks for Mental Clarity: Every 25 minutes or so, I’d take five minutes to step away, hydrate, and breathe, essentially doing the Pomodoro method. These moments helped me maintain focus and avoid the mental fatigue that comes with marathon study sessions.
Know When to Ask for Help
With such a heavy workload, I learned that asking for help from classmates and professors can be invaluable. Here’s how I leveraged support:
- Study Groups and Peer Feedback: Working with friends in study groups allowed us to divide readings and summarise findings for each other, saving time. This was especially helpful with heavy, theory-based readings.
- Office Hours: Reaching out to professors and TAs for clarification or guidance helped me get back on track when I felt stuck or uncertain about an assignment.
Stay Motivated by Rewarding Yourself After the Rush
The intense week of back-to-back deadlines is finally over, and I’ve planned a reward to celebrate: the F1 weekend! Here’s why having something to look forward to matters:
- Mental Reset: After any major exam or project, it’s crucial to take time to relax and refresh. The F1 weekend will be a chance for me to clear my mind and enjoy something I’m passionate about.
- Positive Reinforcement: Knowing that there’s a reward waiting at the end made the long nights and busy days easier to handle. Celebrating these moments of hard work is essential for maintaining motivation and avoiding burnout.
Final Thoughts: Balancing Academics, Work, and Self-Care
This week was one of the toughest yet, with multiple assignments, student ambassador duties, and the need to stay healthy and focused. Managing everything was challenging, but with a strong plan and the right mindset, it was possible to get through it without losing balance. Remember, it’s all about pacing yourself, setting realistic goals, and rewarding your efforts.
If you’re a fellow student balancing academics and work, I’d love to hear how you manage your time. Share your strategies in the comments below! Here’s to making it through the rest of the semester with confidence—and finding time to celebrate our hard work along the way.
