Struggling with work load

It’s my 2nd week into yr 13 and I’m really struggling with the work load I was so on top of my game when I first started yr 12 and now everytime I finish doing a set of work another one of thrown at me.
I do biology (this subject is fine as of right now) chemistry (I have a lot to do in this from module 4 to 6) and psychology (I have notes in relationships, biopsych and a little attachment to do)

I just need some advice on how to structure my days in order to be able to still go over year 12 content, write notes/ flash cards and go over new content.
I just feel so overwhelmed and I already feel like giving up :frown:

Can someone give me some tips on how I can deal with this issue? Is it a matter of being more productive or organised?

Reply 1

flowersinmyhair

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by stemgurl

It’s my 2nd week into yr 13 and I’m really struggling with the work load I was so on top of my game when I first started yr 12 and now everytime I finish doing a set of work another one of thrown at me.
I do biology (this subject is fine as of right now) chemistry (I have a lot to do in this from module 4 to 6) and psychology (I have notes in relationships, biopsych and a little attachment to do)
I just need some advice on how to structure my days in order to be able to still go over year 12 content, write notes/ flash cards and go over new content.
I just feel so overwhelmed and I already feel like giving up :frown:

Can someone give me some tips on how I can deal with this issue? Is it a matter of being more productive or organised?

I would try and be a little more strict with how you are managing your time - I found Google calendar really useful for blocking out my time. Make sure to include everything when doing this including work, going out with friends, relaxing, etc.

Reply 2

snowblob

Hey! Fellow Y13 here - I'm facing EXACTLY the same situation as you. I'm low on sleep and the work just keeps piling up no matter how fast I try and complete it! I like to think of this as a temporarily sticky situation - now's the time for final tests to change predicted grades, personal statement and application stress, as well as learning more difficult content, but if you sort of tell yourself to stick it out for a bit longer, it helps you feel a little better. You aced year 12 - you're going to thrive in year 13. Lock in and complete those menial tasks (weekends are a godsend for that - I'm waiting eagerly for the upcoming one) and it will be A-Okay.
All the best!

Reply 3

stemgurl

Original post

by snowblob

Thank you this really did make me feel better :smile:

Reply 4

stemgurl

Original post

by flowersinmyhair

I will try this out

Reply 5

LancashireRep1

Official Rep

Original post

by stemgurl

It’s my 2nd week into yr 13 and I’m really struggling with the work load I was so on top of my game when I first started yr 12 and now everytime I finish doing a set of work another one of thrown at me.
I do biology (this subject is fine as of right now) chemistry (I have a lot to do in this from module 4 to 6) and psychology (I have notes in relationships, biopsych and a little attachment to do)
I just need some advice on how to structure my days in order to be able to still go over year 12 content, write notes/ flash cards and go over new content.
I just feel so overwhelmed and I already feel like giving up :frown:

Can someone give me some tips on how I can deal with this issue? Is it a matter of being more productive or organised?

Hi @stemgurl,

I was in the exact same position not too long ago. Year 13 really ramps up the work load at times. My biggest suggestion is stay focus and organised, but also remember to give yourself sometime away from working. Here are some tips I used in order to keep up with the pace:

1) Make flashcards after class - This was my favourite way to stay on top of things. I always made sure to create my question cards/revision cards on the same day I had the class on. This used to take me up to an hour and a half a day depending on my classes, but sometimes it only took 30 minutes. It is an excellent way to remain organised.

2) Make a revision plan - This could be dedicating certain days to certain subjects. You could also organise each topic in the subjects based on what you know best. Dedicate more time to the topics you struggle with. Personally, I use to dedicate at least 2-4 hours to revision nearer to exam time and it was organised into a weekly schedule.

3) Find what technique works for you - Past papers, revision cards, mind maps, teaching others, group activities, blurting and more. There are so many techniques to use. I recommend researching into what way you learn best, whether it is visual, auditory or kinaesthetic (or a combination of them).

4) Break days - Make sure not to revise every hour and every day! Have days off, some days only do 30 minutes etc. The most important part of revising is letting your brain rest, if you revise for hours and hours it likely will get difficult to remember (I know from my own experience doing that 😅).

Don't feel down about the work load, your not alone at all as everyone will be feeling quite similar. 🙂

Good luck with your studies and please feel free to ask me any questions,
-Sophia (Business and Management)

(edited 1 year ago)

Reply 6

Coventry University Student Ambassadors

Official Rep

Hello there!

It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed. The workload could really ramp up, and when you’re studying subjects like Biology, Chemistry, and Psychology, it can feel like there’s always something new to do before you have even finished the last task. You are not alone in feeling this way, and the good news is that with some structure and small changes, things can start to feel more manageable.

Plan your week ahead. Sit down on Sunday or Monday and write out exactly what needs to be done, including new content, revision of Year 12 material, and any flashcard or note-making tasks.
Breaking it into small chunks makes it feel less overwhelming and helps you focus on one thing at a time. Then, use a time-blocking method for your afternoons or weekends, for example, spend one hour on new content, 30 minutes reviewing flashcards, and 30 minutes making notes.
You don’t have to do all three subjects every day; instead, rotate them throughout the week to keep things fresh.

Make sure you prioritise what’s urgent or coming up soon, such as upcoming tests, and try to use active revision methods like blurting, flashcards, or explaining concepts out loud.
These are often more effective than simply re-reading your notes.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself. You’ve been capable before, and you absolutely still are now.
Take things one step at a time, allow space for breaks, and remember that it’s okay not to do everything perfectly.
With consistency and a little structure, you will get back on track.

You’ve got this!

I hope this helps!

Kind regards,
Reka - Coventry University Student Ambassador