Prioritise what you have to do
Make a list of what you need to do. The most important things go to the top of the list and should be completed first. Getting the most involved tasks over and done with in the morning can leave the rest of day for more favourable activities.
Make a Schedule
Make an effort to keep to your schedule. Each one of your units requires six – 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. For example, when you start handing in assignments a day late, which then turns into two days or perhaps a week late- suddenly you’ll lose all motivation and feel like there’s no point in submitting your next assignment at all. Bad habits only fester, so it’s best to get rid of these as they cause stress.
Avoid Procrastination and Distractions
Some law students’ joke that they love the rush that comes with starting an assignment the day before it’s due. Some students gain belief in their assignment writing abilities when they finish an assignment hours before it’s due. They may continue to replicate this ‘last minute’ habit throughout their entire degree. Rather than doing this it is better to plan out your assignments and leave time to edit. This ensures writing assignments is (relatively) stress-free.
Be Realistic
Some law students spread themselves over a number of activities and it can become all too much. It’s okay to drop back to three units instead of doing four. You don’t have to be a part of a club or society if you’re no longer passionate about its cause. You can choose to 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, it’s fine to do things that are going to 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 spend your time doing things which are more beneficial. Don’t do things which are going to cause you extra unnecessary stress.
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 or go halves with someone and share the textbook. Perhaps you could search for digital options which are often cheaper. For other expenses develop a budget, regularly check your account so you aware of the money you have and apply for the scholarships which you are eligible for.
Get help
You may find that you need someone to help you get through the stress you are feeling from the pressures of university 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. UNE has a counselling service and you can make an appointment at: https://www.une.edu.au/current-students/support/student-support/counselling There is also UNE 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
