struggling with studying and relaxing balance
12
ive only just started a history degree, uk university if its relevant.
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
Reply 1
Take a breath. Look at the reading list more closely. There is core reading and recommended further reading. Reading the core text(s) is essential. If your uni is any good they would recommended chapter xx for week 1 and chapter yy for week 2 etc. Keep on top of that so that you can keep up with the lecture material.
Remember for a typical 10-credit module you are expected to put in 100 hours of work over a semester. There will be 20 to 25 hours of lectures/seminar/tutorials and the other 75 hours is meant to be self-managed study. Get into a pattern of thinking uni is like a 9 to 5 job (40 hours a week). Ensure you are spending 40 hours a week studying - that is actually going to the library and hitting the books NOT chatting with your friends from a particular module about some aspect of the lecture that week.
Stay disciplined and you will be fine.
Remember for a typical 10-credit module you are expected to put in 100 hours of work over a semester. There will be 20 to 25 hours of lectures/seminar/tutorials and the other 75 hours is meant to be self-managed study. Get into a pattern of thinking uni is like a 9 to 5 job (40 hours a week). Ensure you are spending 40 hours a week studying - that is actually going to the library and hitting the books NOT chatting with your friends from a particular module about some aspect of the lecture that week.
Stay disciplined and you will be fine.
Reply 2
Frxstyx
OP
12
Original post
by mike23mikeTake a breath. Look at the reading list more closely. There is core reading and recommended further reading. Reading the core text(s) is essential. If your uni is any good they would recommended chapter xx for week 1 and chapter yy for week 2 etc. Keep on top of that so that you can keep up with the lecture material.
Remember for a typical 10-credit module you are expected to put in 100 hours of work over a semester. There will be 20 to 25 hours of lectures/seminar/tutorials and the other 75 hours is meant to be self-managed study. Get into a pattern of thinking uni is like a 9 to 5 job (40 hours a week). Ensure you are spending 40 hours a week studying - that is actually going to the library and hitting the books NOT chatting with your friends from a particular module about some aspect of the lecture that week.
Stay disciplined and you will be fine.
Remember for a typical 10-credit module you are expected to put in 100 hours of work over a semester. There will be 20 to 25 hours of lectures/seminar/tutorials and the other 75 hours is meant to be self-managed study. Get into a pattern of thinking uni is like a 9 to 5 job (40 hours a week). Ensure you are spending 40 hours a week studying - that is actually going to the library and hitting the books NOT chatting with your friends from a particular module about some aspect of the lecture that week.
Stay disciplined and you will be fine.
Thats the issue, this is purely the essential core readings (marked as such in canvas) and even that is a lot. For one lecture there were four chapters of the same book plus 60 pages of another chapter book. That's one lecture out of 9 timetabled classes I need to prepare for. Its all the same type of amount too. I don't know how im going to cope, even with the 40 hours a week/9 to 5, my brain physically doesn't let me relax until everything is finished.
Reply 3
Original post
by Frxstyxive only just started a history degree, uk university if its relevant.
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
Hi @Frxstyx,
I completely understand how you are feeling. I was and still am to an extent a similar in the way I wasn't able to relax until my tasks or revision was complete. Both at uni and at home! For me it was realising how important time for myself was. Whether something is finished, it's important to take regular breaks and switch off if needed. With regular breaks and relaxation, I was able to focus better and get more done in shorter periods of time. I thought if I take breaks, I'll get distracted or not get as much done due to the breaks but it turned out to be the opposite. They kept me motivated and focused!
Starting university can feel overwhelming but it does get easier. You will get used to the work load in your own time. Everyone is different so just focus on yourself and explore ways of revision that work for you. For me to find the best balance of studying and relaxing, I did a lot of experimenting. There are different ways of revising and studying that work for different people. There will be more people in a similar boat than you realise.
Stay organised. I think it's super important to stay organised and on top of your revision/reading lists whilst at university. This is also something to experiment with as there many ways to stay organised, use a calendars and whether you work better with digital calendars or physical ones.
Something that helped me from feeling overwhelmed by the workload at university was breaking tasks, modules or reading lists into smaller chunks. It then feels more doable and manageable. Makes it a lot easier to digest and process things. You've got this!
Lastly, it's great that you have got in touch with the wellbeing team already as I was going to suggest making the most of the services at university like student support, wellbeing and career. Make the most of it whilst you can and you are making a great start already! 🙂
Let me know fi you have any further questions and hope this helps,
^Zac
Reply 4
Original post
by Frxstyxive only just started a history degree, uk university if its relevant.
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
Hi @Frxstyx 👋
I am sorry to hear you are feeling that way. Yes being at university can be difficult, there won't be much time to relax unless you are a quick person who gets their work done and dusted! Please do take breaks while you study to breathe.
Try to ensure that the work is done but schedule some free time for yourself even if it is simply an hour of watching a movie or reading a book. Do talk to your tutor as well as they can give you some advice for your schedule too 😊
I assure you that many students experience this so you are not alone. It will get better and I hope you do find some time to relax!
Essex Student Rep - Lavanya 💜
Reply 5
Original post
by FrxstyxThats the issue, this is purely the essential core readings (marked as such in canvas) and even that is a lot. For one lecture there were four chapters of the same book plus 60 pages of another chapter book. That's one lecture out of 9 timetabled classes I need to prepare for. Its all the same type of amount too. I don't know how im going to cope, even with the 40 hours a week/9 to 5, my brain physically doesn't let me relax until everything is finished.
This is BS, no lecturer can expect you to read 4 chapters in a week, every week. Plan B, I recommend you read the powerpoint slides first and then work backwords by looking at the references covered in the slides to direct you to the most relevant text. This assumes the lecturer has provided references on each ppt slide deck.
If they have not provided references then go to plan C. If your uni does not give you free access to AI like Co-pilot then invest £10 a month to get the upgraded version of ChatGPT, Co-pilot or something similar. Then ask the AI to give you a summary of the key points in chapter xxx of core textbook yyy. This is not cheating, its simply using technology. You may still want to read that chapter if you feel the summary is interesting.
If you get a book from the library of speed reading one of the tips given is that you read the first and last sentence of each paragraph to get a jist of what that paragraph was about. Most book editors will ensure the paragraph are set out thus:
•
A strong paragraph is built around one clear main idea, introduced in a topic sentence and developed through supporting sentences that add detail and evidence.
•
The concluding sentence may reinforces the key point.
Reply 6
Frxstyx
OP
12
Original post
by mike23mikeThis is BS, no lecturer can expect you to read 4 chapters in a week, every week. Plan B, I recommend you read the powerpoint slides first and then work backwords by looking at the references covered in the slides to direct you to the most relevant text. This assumes the lecturer has provided references on each ppt slide deck.
If they have not provided references then go to plan C. If your uni does not give you free access to AI like Co-pilot then invest £10 a month to get the upgraded version of ChatGPT, Co-pilot or something similar. Then ask the AI to give you a summary of the key points in chapter xxx of core textbook yyy. This is not cheating, its simply using technology. You may still want to read that chapter if you feel the summary is interesting.
If you get a book from the library of speed reading one of the tips given is that you read the first and last sentence of each paragraph to get a jist of what that paragraph was about. Most book editors will ensure the paragraph are set out thus:
If they have not provided references then go to plan C. If your uni does not give you free access to AI like Co-pilot then invest £10 a month to get the upgraded version of ChatGPT, Co-pilot or something similar. Then ask the AI to give you a summary of the key points in chapter xxx of core textbook yyy. This is not cheating, its simply using technology. You may still want to read that chapter if you feel the summary is interesting.
If you get a book from the library of speed reading one of the tips given is that you read the first and last sentence of each paragraph to get a jist of what that paragraph was about. Most book editors will ensure the paragraph are set out thus:
•
A strong paragraph is built around one clear main idea, introduced in a topic sentence and developed through supporting sentences that add detail and evidence.
•
The concluding sentence may reinforces the key point.
The amount is just the first week too and they've said ill get larger over time. This isn't even Uxbridge.
I really don't want to do this anymore it's just constant dread
Reply 7
Original post
by Frxstyxive only just started a history degree, uk university if its relevant.
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
Hi there,
I am sorry that you have been struggling with this - it can be really tricky to adapt sometimes and I found this hard as it is quite a big adjustment starting uni and there are so many things that are new!
Here are some of my tips for managing your workload so that you don't feel too overwhelmed with all of the work that you have to do:
•
Talk to your tutors. You can ask them for tips on how they would approach the reading, or which things are the most essential. I know that everything ideally needs to be read, but if you are really really struggling, you might need to be able to prioritise which things are most important.
•
If you have an academic advisor, talk to them too. They are there for you and will be able to talk you through some of the things that you have to do and make it seem more manageable. They are also good to just talk to and it can really help you to talk to people!
•
Try and create a schedule. I like to write down all of the things that need to be done that week, and you can categorise them into things that need to be done and things that ideally would be done so you can prioritise and try. and get everything done.
•
Talk to your peers as they may be feeling the same way which would be really reassuring. They are the people who will know best how you are feeling so talk to them and see if you can relate and maybe come up with a plan together on how you will handle the work.
•
Plan some fun things for the week so you don't get too overwhelmed. It's easy to get caught up in your work and just want to do that, but you will feel so much better if you get out and do something fun, and you will be more productive too!
I hope some of this helps,
Lucy -SHU student ambassador.
Reply 8
Original post
by FrxstyxThe amount is just the first week too and they've said ill get larger over time. This isn't even Uxbridge.
I really don't want to do this anymore it's just constant dread
I really don't want to do this anymore it's just constant dread
I am sure your university will be disheartened that you are thinking of giving up. That is not their intent, no uni wants to lose a good student. Speak to the module tutor about your concerns or speak to the programme director. I am sure you are not the only one feeling overwhelmed.
Reply 9
Original post
by Frxstyxive only just started a history degree, uk university if its relevant.
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
Hey,
I completely understand how you feel. That overwhelming feeling when you look at a reading list for the first time is a common feeling. It happened to me too when I first started uni.
The cycle you described, where your brain won't let you relax, is a sign that you need to be kind to yourself. You're trying to do everything at once!
Since the wellbeing team is taking long, you should definitely try to contact your Academic Tutor or your university's Academic Support team. They are there to help with workload management and might have advice specifically for your course.
Quick Strategies to Cope
1.
Prioritise the List: Focus only on the readings marked as "Core" or "Essential". The other stuff is just for backup or detailed research, so you don’t need to read it every week. You should immediately see your to-do list shrink.
2.
Schedule Your Breaks: Set a simple schedule for the day, and when your break time hits, close the book and fully step away.
3.
Take it Easy: It's your first week. You will learn how to read strategically as you go. You've got this, and you will get the hang of it long before your first assignment is due!
Hope this helps! 😊
Rachel
(Third Year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism
Reply 10
Frxstyx
OP
12
Original post
by Manchester Met - Student RepHey,
I completely understand how you feel. That overwhelming feeling when you look at a reading list for the first time is a common feeling. It happened to me too when I first started uni.
The cycle you described, where your brain won't let you relax, is a sign that you need to be kind to yourself. You're trying to do everything at once!
Since the wellbeing team is taking long, you should definitely try to contact your Academic Tutor or your university's Academic Support team. They are there to help with workload management and might have advice specifically for your course.
Quick Strategies to Cope
Hope this helps! 😊
Rachel
(Third Year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism
I completely understand how you feel. That overwhelming feeling when you look at a reading list for the first time is a common feeling. It happened to me too when I first started uni.
The cycle you described, where your brain won't let you relax, is a sign that you need to be kind to yourself. You're trying to do everything at once!
Since the wellbeing team is taking long, you should definitely try to contact your Academic Tutor or your university's Academic Support team. They are there to help with workload management and might have advice specifically for your course.
Quick Strategies to Cope
1.
Prioritise the List: Focus only on the readings marked as "Core" or "Essential". The other stuff is just for backup or detailed research, so you don’t need to read it every week. You should immediately see your to-do list shrink.
2.
Schedule Your Breaks: Set a simple schedule for the day, and when your break time hits, close the book and fully step away.
3.
Take it Easy: It's your first week. You will learn how to read strategically as you go. You've got this, and you will get the hang of it long before your first assignment is due!
Hope this helps! 😊
Rachel
(Third Year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism
The list IS just the core and essential readings. That's the thing.
Reply 11
Original post
by Frxstyxive only just started a history degree, uk university if its relevant.
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
Hi there,
Sorry to hear you're feeling like this but if its any consolation, you aren't the only new student to be feeling overwhelmed, myself included when I was new to first year.
You do not need to deep-read everything on the reading list, even if its core.
Mike has already given some excellent suggestions, but I'd like to add that skimming through the allocated chapters and drawing out the sections of it that seem relevant to your lecture content then just reading those, per core chapter, would be a good way to make sure you're getting a good spread of everything you need but not overwhelming yourself. You don't need to read every section in the chapters - if you end up needing it for an assignment, you can always come back to it for reference or revise it later.
Ask yourself these questions:
•
Is this relevant to what I learnt in that lecture?
•
Will it help me achieve whatever my next task is (i.e. essay, report?)
Also, on the 40 hours per week. Different courses will require different amounts of extra and this will likely fluctuate depending on what assignments you have on throughout the year. You do not need to do this much to do well. Just make sure you do at least 3-5 hours per module per week of extra work so you're covering all your modules and this should be enough for most times of the year.
Its important to put your health and wellbeing first. So yes, work hard, but remember that there is so much more to uni. You should NOT feel bad for doing other things such as being with friends in the SU, society meet ups, or even just taking evenings off to relax. Your uni life should be balanced and you are here to live as well as work.
I hope this adds, best of luck - and keep going, because everything will become more familiar to you and you'll settle into a routine with time 🙂
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 12
Original post
by Frxstyxive only just started a history degree, uk university if its relevant.
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
Hi @Frxstyx 👋
I am sorry to hear you are going through a stressful situation. I want to assure you that it will be daunting at first but it is manageable as time goes. It is important to do your readings yes and make sure everything is done but split your time up into parts and take breaks to breathe as well. Going to your lectures and taking notes is enough, coming home and then organising the notes and studying it is essential and looking over the reading list as well 💻
Exams are regular in university since there are many modules. Try and take days off as well though like the weekend is time for you to spend some time finishing uni stuff up if you need it and then relaxing and doing something you like. Do talk to your tutor about this as well and know this is common so please dont worry too much about it 😊
Essex Student Rep- Lavanya 💜
Reply 13
Original post
by FrxstyxThe list IS just the core and essential readings. That's the thing.
Hey,
I understand why you feel overwhelmed.
Please know that you do not need to read every word of every essential reading. The list supports you throughout the term.
Choose at least three core readings to engage with. Save the others for when you work on assignments and need research.
Hope this helps!😊
Rachel
(Third Year)
Undergraduate Multimedia Journalism
Reply 14
Original post
by Frxstyxive only just started a history degree, uk university if its relevant.
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
its my first week and ive been looking at my reading lists, and i feel so overwhelmed looking at the to do list. Like, it gets harder from here and i can barely manage right now.
it feels like that until i complete the to do list I cant relax but I know I can't read however many chapters and pages of work within a single day so when I'm trying to relax its just constant thoughts of, how do I make sure I finish, will I be able to finish, what if I'm behind, lets check the todo list again and its a cycle like that over and over so in the end my relaxation isn't relaxation just more headache.
ive reached out to my unis wellbeing support, but it can take up to 30 days for a response and I was wondering on any tips here.
I'm dreading when I get my assignments because I can barely manage the workload of the readings as is, but readings for lectures/seminars PLUS the readings for my assignment and research and then writing the thing its so much
Hey, you’re definitely not alone—what you’re feeling is really common, especially in the first few weeks of uni when everything suddenly feels intense and never-ending. It’s great that you’ve already reached out to wellbeing support—that’s a strong first step.
In the meantime, a few things might help:
•
Prioritise your readings: not everything on the list has to be read in full—sometimes a summary, intro/conclusion, or even a lecture slide will cover what you need.
•
Try time-blocking: set small reading goals with breaks in between so it feels more manageable.
•
Remind yourself: you’re not expected to do it all at once. Uni is a long game, and everyone finds their pace over time—even if no one’s saying it out loud.
Quick Reply
Related discussions
- Students life and wellbeing
- Staying sane
- Help with time management
- Year 13 Advice please
- Y13 revision
- Unwell before exams
- Ways to balance your studies this christmas break
- im so behind for gcses!!
- unhappy repetitive life centred around academic
- SQA highers
- Multiple weeks behind uni work. How to catch up over christmas?
- Want to drop out of oxford
- Please help me choose a degree apprenticeship option
- How Do You Balance Study and Social Life at Uni?
- How Do You Balance Student Life and Education?
- Balancing everything
- What are the best things for a year 10 to do during the holidays?
- How do you stay productive and motivated during the semester break?
- Second Term Tips📚
- Final year biomed student - overwhelmed, panic :(
Latest
Trending
Last reply 3 months ago
Laptop vs iPad for universityLast reply 3 months ago
living away from home for university- pros / cons, advice ?University life
15
15
Last reply 3 months ago
Should I Appeal an Academic Misconduct Finding at a UK University?Last reply 3 months ago
Will I be an outcast in uni if I don’t use social media?University life
14
14
How The Student Room is moderated
To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.
