Prioritise what you have to do
Make a list of what you need to do. The most important things should go at the top and should be completed first. Getting the most involved tasks over and done with in the morning can leave the rest of the day for more favourable activities.
Make a Schedule
Make an effort to keep to your schedule. Each one of your units requires six to eight hours (or more) of study per week so make a schedule which allows for that. There’s no need to do four hours of study straight, instead you might find it works to break it up into smaller periods. Allocate time for study, downtime, other necessary tasks, social life etc., and adjust your schedule accordingly, particularly when you have exams.
Bad habits only get worse, so get rid of them ASAP
If you have a bad habit, it’s probably only going to get worse. Let’s say for example, you start handing in your assignments a day late (without an extension). This can then turn into two days late and then you’ll push it to a week late. Then suddenly you may lose all motivation and feel like there’s no point in submitting your next assignment at all. Bad habits are easy to start but most difficult to eradicate.
Be Realistic
Law students are known to spread themselves too thinly. It is great to be involved in countless numbers of activities, but sometimes it can all become too much. It’s okay to drop back to three units instead of doing four per trimester. You don’t have to be a part of that club or society if you’re no longer passionate about its cause or objectives. You can just play two sports instead of three. Make realistic goals and be honest with yourself about what you can and can’t do.
Only do things that benefit you
When you’re a student, focus on activities that directly benefit you. Only undertake tasks which have a purpose and which are contributing to your overall goal, whatever it may be. If you can’t see the benefit in doing something then don’t do it. Rather put your time into something else which will directly benefit you.
Develop a budget
University can be expensive and law textbooks aren’t cheap. Financial stress is a real thing which a lot of students will experience at some point. When buying law textbooks look around for second hand options. Is the e-book version of a textbook cheaper? For other expenses, develop a budget and regularly check your account so you aware of your spending practises. Also check out any scholarships you may be eligible for.
Get help
You may find that every now and then you need someone to help you get through the stress you are feeling from the pressures of uni and life in general. Reach out to a friend or family member who you can trust. Furthermore the university also has services which are helpful. The university has a counselling service and you can make an appointment at: https://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/student-support/counselling. At UNE there is also an after-hours crisis support line which is free and confidential. The hotline is 1300 661 927 or you can text it on 0488 868 771
