How do you balance study and self-care?

Hi everyone! 👋
I’m a current postgraduate at City St George’s (based around the Clerkenwell and Moorgate campus), and one thing I’ve really had to learn over the past year is how to properly balance studying with self-care especially with coursework, deadlines, and London life all happening at once!
When I first started, I thought “self-care” just meant the occasional Netflix night after submitting an essay… but I quickly learned it’s more about small habits and using the resources the university actually offers. Here’s what’s worked for me:
☕ Midday resets around Clerkenwell
I spend a lot of time in the library at Northampton Square, and when my brain starts fogging up after a few hours, I take a quick walk down to Exmouth Market for coffee or lunch. My go-to is Brill Café or Department of Coffee and Social Affairs.
Those 15 minutes away from screens help so much, it’s amazing how a small break in a lively spot can reset your focus.
🏋️*♀️ Evenings at CitySport
When the deadlines pile up, I make sure to book a CitySport class as a member of their gym! I started with yoga but now I’m obsessed with the spin sessions. The instructors are so upbeat, and it’s only a 5-minute walk from my lectures, so there’s really no excuse not to go.
During exam weeks, I’d go just to stretch and decompress, it honestly helped me sleep better and manage stress more than caffeine ever did.
💬 Support from the City Wellbeing Service
There was one term where I was juggling my dissertation, Unitemps work, and ambassador events, and I hit a wall. I reached out to the City St George’s Wellbeing Service, and the counsellor was amazing. They helped me plan realistic study blocks and reminded me that taking care of yourself is productive.
They also run mindfulness workshops, which are worth trying if you need that mid-term mental reset.
📚 Academic Skills workshops for time management
I’m one of those people who tries to do everything perfectly (and then burns out 😅). The Academic Skills Team ran a session on time management that really shifted my perspective. I started blocking time for meals, walks, and gym as seriously as I do study sessions. It sounds small, but it kept me sane during dissertation season.
🌿 Quiet spaces around campus
When I want some quiet time, I go to the Courtyard Garden near the main entrance or grab a window seat in the Tait Building café. On sunny days, I sometimes walk to Spa Fields or St John’s Square, they’re peaceful and just far enough from the busy roads.
Honestly, studying postgrad in central London can be intense, there’s always noise, movement, and something happening. But having these routines and using the university’s wellbeing facilities has helped me keep my balance.
I’d love to hear how other postgrads at City St George’s (or anyone in London!) keep up with self-care. Do you have a go-to routine, campus space, or area nearby that helps you unwind after classes? 💬

Hi @TwinkleCityRep
This is some great advice for managing studying and self-care!
As a current third year I have noticed how the intensity of each year really builds up so it is important to have strong self-care routines to look after yourself. The most helpful thing I find is starting my assignments early and staying on top of my work as this ensures that I always have time for self-care!
One of the things that I like to do is go to the gym! I find that having the opportunity to move my body is really important, especially after a long day of studying. On days where I do not want to go all the way to the gym, I try and make sure that I have at least gone on a walk around the local area.
Another thing that I do is always try to make sure that I have a minimum of one day per week where I focus on doing something that I enjoy or going out for the day. I find this is particularly important when I am on placement as it gives me a break and helps me to not feel overwhelmed by my workload.
Sophie.
BCU Student Rep.

Hi everyone! 👋
I’m a current postgraduate at City St George’s (based around the Clerkenwell and Moorgate campus), and one thing I’ve really had to learn over the past year is how to properly balance studying with self-care especially with coursework, deadlines, and London life all happening at once!
When I first started, I thought “self-care” just meant the occasional Netflix night after submitting an essay… but I quickly learned it’s more about small habits and using the resources the university actually offers. Here’s what’s worked for me:
☕ Midday resets around Clerkenwell
I spend a lot of time in the library at Northampton Square, and when my brain starts fogging up after a few hours, I take a quick walk down to Exmouth Market for coffee or lunch. My go-to is Brill Café or Department of Coffee and Social Affairs.
Those 15 minutes away from screens help so much, it’s amazing how a small break in a lively spot can reset your focus.
🏋️*♀️ Evenings at CitySport
When the deadlines pile up, I make sure to book a CitySport class as a member of their gym! I started with yoga but now I’m obsessed with the spin sessions. The instructors are so upbeat, and it’s only a 5-minute walk from my lectures, so there’s really no excuse not to go.
During exam weeks, I’d go just to stretch and decompress, it honestly helped me sleep better and manage stress more than caffeine ever did.
💬 Support from the City Wellbeing Service
There was one term where I was juggling my dissertation, Unitemps work, and ambassador events, and I hit a wall. I reached out to the City St George’s Wellbeing Service, and the counsellor was amazing. They helped me plan realistic study blocks and reminded me that taking care of yourself is productive.
They also run mindfulness workshops, which are worth trying if you need that mid-term mental reset.
📚 Academic Skills workshops for time management
I’m one of those people who tries to do everything perfectly (and then burns out 😅). The Academic Skills Team ran a session on time management that really shifted my perspective. I started blocking time for meals, walks, and gym as seriously as I do study sessions. It sounds small, but it kept me sane during dissertation season.
🌿 Quiet spaces around campus
When I want some quiet time, I go to the Courtyard Garden near the main entrance or grab a window seat in the Tait Building café. On sunny days, I sometimes walk to Spa Fields or St John’s Square, they’re peaceful and just far enough from the busy roads.
Honestly, studying postgrad in central London can be intense, there’s always noise, movement, and something happening. But having these routines and using the university’s wellbeing facilities has helped me keep my balance.
I’d love to hear how other postgrads at City St George’s (or anyone in London!) keep up with self-care. Do you have a go-to routine, campus space, or area nearby that helps you unwind after classes? 💬

That’s such a thoughtful post — and I completely agree that balance comes down to consistent small habits rather than occasional “treat yourself” moments. You’ve highlighted some excellent strategies that many students overlook, especially making use of campus wellbeing and academic resources.
One thing I’ve found helpful is integrating self-care directly into my study routine rather than treating it as something separate. For instance, using the Pomodoro method (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute walk or stretch) helps keep my energy steady throughout the day. I also like scheduling short breaks outdoors — Spa Fields and St John’s Square are perfect for that quiet reset you mentioned.
If anyone’s struggling to stick to a routine, I’d recommend pairing self-care with accountability — such as studying with a friend, joining a fitness class, or booking library sessions together. It creates structure while still leaving space for rest.
Thanks for sharing your experience — it’s a great reminder that maintaining wellbeing during postgraduate studies isn’t about doing less, but about managing energy and priorities better.