The Graduate Blog - Lockdown Edition
In this edition of the Graduate Blog, we discuss some of the essentials needed to get you through final year during a lockdown including study tips, organisation tactics and the need for some much needed down-time.
Study Tips
The most important piece of information to bear in mind here is that everyone studies and learns differently. The best piece of advice you will receive here is to do what works for you! Now, having said that, here’s a few pointers to help get you set up with a study plan that will have you acing those final exams, even during a pandemic.
Plan Your Week
Before the start of every week, take a quick account of what you have on. Have you any deadlines coming up, any Zoom calls you are obliged to join, or even just any important lectures scheduled. Prioritise these first and then you will get an understanding of how much time you have left for some extra research.
Your Study Space
Where possible, try to reserve your study space for studying only. This will allow you to focus solely on study when you sit down to do your work. It may also help to remove any distractions such as your phone and gaming consoles.
Take A Break - You Deserve It
It’s as simple as that - break up your study with regular, short breaks and stretch those legs.
Understand It Won’t Always Go As Planned
Not everyday will be your most productive, and there will most likely be days where nothing gets done. Know that this is completely normal - take the time off and try to make a note before you go to sleep of what you want to start with the following day.
Help When Help Is Needed
Studying and keeping focused during a pandemic is no easy feat - make sure to ask for help when help is needed. Your college likely has a whole range of supports available to you.
Organisation
Organising your day, your personal space and your thoughts can really help with overcoming any final year stress - particularly in 2021. Here’s a few pointers for you.
Your Desk
Take time at the start of every week to lay it out how you want it.
Routine
Think about what is on the agenda for the day outside of your college and study routine. Perhaps a walk in the afternoon will help to break up the day and give your body the fresh air it deserves.
Your Thoughts
Don’t underestimate the power of journaling! Why not check out your local stationery store and pick up a small journal for yourself to jot down a simple to-do list every day, or even to document what’s on your mind. It can be a great stress reliever and will help you to feel more organised and focused.
Finally - Relax!
This is a stressful year for you, there is no doubt about it. You also deserve to relax! Here’s some fun ways to reward yourself.
Activity
Staying active has many benefits and can keep you feeling motivated. Plan a walk, a run, or even a home workout! For some great home workout tips check some out here from the guys over at Healthline.
Gaming
Gaming possibilities are endless in 2021 with the recent release of next gen consoles PS5 and the Xbox Series S & X. If you are one of the lucky ones who have managed to nab one of them, pop the feet up and reward yourself after a day of study, remembering to keep your relaxation space separate from your study space!
Outside of these new consoles, there are endless other gaming possibilities in 2021 to take advantage of as a break from study. Why not leave a comment down below letting us know what games you're playing this semester!
Cook!
Why not grab a cookbook and make yourself something nice, maybe even something you haven’t made before. You may find it to be therapeutic to concentrate on something other than that damned paper you have been working on all day.
Graduate Opportunities
We here at The Graduate Blog know how stressful this year of all years can be, which is why we want to help you navigate the year as best we can. We have also written about plenty of other topics to help you through your final weeks in college.
Why not check out our blog on how to find the perfect job for when you graduate, including some top tips on the recruitment process and how to fine tune your CV. Check it out here!
We also know you're dreaming about booking your next trip away once it's safe to do so and we've got you covered there too! Check out our dedicated travel blog here!
Finally, why not let us help you if you're thinking of looking at further study options - check it out here!