7 Things That a Stressed, Final-Year Student Must DoJune 19, 2019

You're about to enter your final year in university, yet you wonder if you have chosen the right field of study. You're also worried about what to do after graduation, if you could settle to your old routine when you go home. You're too tired, looking at the white sand and the azure sea(instead of the manicured lawns outside your flat. What must you do?

When you're getting stressed out, one more time, then the first thing to do is to take a deep breath. The cool air would give you a good excuse to go out for a walk, but you rather go to social media. If you lie down on your bed, then there's a good chance that you might fall asleep. It remains to be seen if your mobile phone would drop to the floor (or not), but you should know what to do. Stop what you're doing, even if you have a deadline to beat. It's uncommon for students to think well - and write well - under pressure, and essay writing requires you to excel in both. If not that, there might be other reasons. You can talk about it with a counsellor, if not your tutor. Your tutor can be so accommodating, such that you can talk about anything other than the coursework. It must be happening in the university. But you must figure out the reasons.

Mounting the Pressure: How to Achieve a Study-Life Balance

Are you questioning whether university is worth the cost? The answer to the question would dawn on you when you think about the debt that you must pay after graduation. If you have a deadline to beat, this won’t be the right time to think about it. You should know that your chosen field of study is your true calling, and you’re confident that you won’t suffer from graduation slump. Ambition and determination would help you achieve your goals, and your immediate goals are to finish your assignments and prepare for your examination(s).

Are you having problems with funding? Many universities offer bursaries, and grants, and scholarships, and many go unclaimed. If you find this hard to believe, approach your student adviser. Don’t be afraid to admit that you have a problem. It would be better to talk to your parents.

Is there a space for recreational activities? You must remember that social media is not considered a recreational activity. It must be anything that keeps you away from the computer screen or mobile phone, where you can indulge in your creative, if not competitive spirit. You may be interested in philately after you find out that less people are collecting stamps due to Internet (email). Stamp collecting requires money, which could be a problem. You can turn your attention on postcards, if not Netflix or YouTube. If you’re not a huge fan of rugby, you may like watching cricket matches with your mates. Time won’t be an issue here, as distraction should renew your enthusiasm.

Does social and academic pressure affect you? You need to find out the cause(s). If you’re worried about not attending parties, then remember that the sacrifices that you do would pay off later. And you’re not the only one. You may not be aware about it, as paper writing and examinations keep you from exploring the lecture halls and flat. Don’t be anxious about it, as you take notice of your surroundings. Try to be friendly. Don’t be afraid to start a short conversation. You can also invite your coursemates (or flatmates) for a night of beer and pizza.

Do you feel isolated from the other students? The answer to this question has nothing to do with the previous question. You may have lost track of the time while you’re doing your research in the library. The same thing happens in your own room, which may be due to your inability to write your essay immediately. You could be taking your time in coming up with an argument, which would impress your professor. You can do it during proofreading. If you’re really struggling with it, email your coursemate. Talk to your flatmate(s). Don’t sing out loud.

Do you feel bad about leaving your family and friends? They’re a call away. You can always look forward to the next summer. Just make sure that you would do well. (You might end up making up.)

Is there a problem with your routine? It’s never too late if you haven’t created a routine that brings out the best in you. If this is not committing to other things that are not related to the coursework, then don’t. Daily chores and the usual errands are included here, and you must not be dismayed at the thought that it would take you a couple of years, if not a few, to achieve this ideal routine. It’s better late than never.

What Comes Next

Your efforts wouldn’t go to naught, as what you’ve learned would help you adjust later. You would look forward to graduation life, not waiting to send your CV to recruiters. And the transition to a professional life won’t give you discomfort. On the other hand, graduate and PhD students would attest that the line between coursework and leisure time is blurred. If you want to pursue an academic career, don’t be daunted at such thought. You have done well, so you would do better.

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