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How To Survive The Last Two Weeks Of Uni

It’s tough. When you’ve been grinding away for weeks. For all the work you put out, you get slapped with twice as much in return – or at least it feels that way. It’s been a never-ending cycle of essays and exams and group projects. The days and weeks blur into a gross beige. You’re exhausted and flustered. You just don’t care anymore.

Yeah, you’re in the last two weeks of uni.

They’re arguably the worst part of the semester, because you’ve already copped mountains of work and readings, but the war is only beginning.

To make it through these preliminary finals is a true test of stamina, will-power, and character for the modern 20-something year old. And when it feels like you’ve done so much study that you couldn’t possibly do more, it’s easy just want to give up then and there.

But, Gloria Gaynor sang it herself: ‘I Will Survive’ – and here’s how you’re going to do it.

Any time out is a good time out

Even when you’re grinding up the quicksand uni mountain and you can barely keep your head above ground, it’s important to take a moment for yourself.

Trust me, I know it seems impossible, but a time out – no matter how big or small – is going to be oh so worth it in the long run.

A time out doesn’t mean go on a Netflix binge, or swiping through your socials for hours (only to stress over where the time went).

No, a time out is a chance to get up and out of the little study cocoon you’ve put yourself in. It means getting a snack, a cup of tea, a coffee, having a bathroom break (essential), going outside for some sunshine and fresh air (scientifically proven to make us feel better).

Give yourself a chance to take a beat and to let your mind wander, even if its just for a second.

Look forward

There’s a reason why people say ‘there’s light at the end of the tunnel’. You’ve just got to find it.

Planning something to look forward to at the end of the two weeks may serve as inspiration and motivation to keep pushing through.

Whether it’s a big whirlwind roadtrip, a European summer (that’s the dream), or knowing that you’ll be heading home to your family for the break, or maybe you’ve planned a night out with your pals, or even a solo day off. Big or small, it’ll be a beacon of positive light to work towards.

This is the way we train pets to sit and shake hands, and the reason why we practise to make perfect: to get a reward. So mark your calendar.

Break it down, get it done

Mount Everest is huge. It’s a seriously daunting prospect. That’s why mountaineers aim for camps along the way to the apex. And you should apply that same principle to your uni work.

Working in sections helps to break down the big stuff and focus on every detail (get that HD, baby), but it also ticks off more goals more often.

You’re fuelling your tank of positive energy to keep on keeping on, which is important in this last leg, because no matter borderline torturous it gets, you didn’t come all this way just to quit.

Get some good study jams

Do not underestimate the power of a good playlist.

Whether you’re a lo-fi fiend, or a smooth jazz essay-writer, or you find classical music really helps you hit those word counts, or a bit of folk helps you remember those tricky equations, there’s a playlist out there for you.

I personally love listening to chilled foreign playlists (Latin music is my go-to) – because if I don’t know what they’re saying, I can’t get distracted by the lyrics.

Rally the troops

Teamwork makes the dreamwork.

The people around you are your greatest allies during this time. And it’s likely your pals are going through the same stress that you are.

Confide in them, let them support you and encourage you, and do the same for them. You’ll be suprised how much better you feel and how much more you get done when you’ve got positive energy surging all around you.

You got this, pal.

Images: GIPHY, Pexels

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