Daryeel Magazine
Becoming a young adult can be stressful enough but when you are considering continuing your studies at university there may be even more issues to deal with. Here are a few pointers that may help you to keep on track and move in a direction towards a positive future.
START WITH A POSITIVE FRAME OF MIND – Remind yourself why you are at university, what your intentions were when you enrolled and be grateful that you have made it this far.
SLEEP EARLY & WAKE UP EARLY – Make a healthy routine and stick to it as much as possible. “Early to bed, early to rise, Makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise.” Make sure you get a regular unbroken sleep somewhere between 7-9 hours per night.
HAVE A FRESH START IN THE MORNING – Set your alarm to wake some time before you have to leave for class or study. Drink plenty of water, over half litre if possible before you leave home to rehydrate and eat at least a nutritious snack if you don’t feel like a full breakfast. Plan to arrive early or on time for lectures.
JOIN A STUDY GROUP – Find some like-minded students to study with. They may offer new points of view, be able to explain points you are struggling with and offer in support in general.
DON’T HAVE LONGER BREAKS BETWEEN CLASSES – Keep up your motivation. Schedule work if you have extended breaks between classes to work on assignments. Consistent habits will stand you in good stead for future work.
BECOME FAMILIAR WITH YOUR OWN BIORHYTHMS – Are you more creative in the morning or afternoon or evening? Rest when you are on lower energy, work when on higher.
JOIN ASSOCIATIONS AND CLUBS –Take the opportunity to learn some new skills and hobbies with likeminded people. You will extend your friendship base and enjoy social activities to lighten academic pressure.
DON’T OVER-COMMIT IN THE FIRST YEAR/SEMESTER – Make sure you only commit to classes you feel you can do well in without too much pressure. Over achieve in fewer classes rather than fail because you took on too many classes.
GET ORGANIZED! – Utilize whatever you need to get organised. Make lists. Use a calendar so you are always aware of deadlines. Check and prioritize daily what needs to be done – classes, study time, assignments, social events, birthdays…
AVOID BAD INFLUENCES – Avoid spending time with people you know are bad influences. It goes without saying they will have negative destructive effects on your studies and consequently your life.
APPRECIATE YOUR TIME AT UNIVERSITY – Never wish your time away. Even with the stress and difficult moments find a way to see something positive in every moment. Keep a balance between work and play just as you hope for the remainder of your life after you graduate.
AND if by chance you do feel overwhelmed by a situation seek appropriate professional help before you get too despondent or depressed. Know that many people have walked in similar shoes at some time of their life.
Hirsi Ahmed
Daryeel Magazine
