Now that Freshers may be over, the hangover is still lingering, and those 9 am lectures are quickly approaching; it’s probably time to start finding that balance between ‘work hard, play hard’.
The first few weeks after moving in are always a little fun and chaotic. You’re discovering a new city, making new friends and getting used to a completely new environment, all while squeezing in far too many late nights. Going from this to those early morning lectures can feel like a bit of a shock to the system, so now is the perfect time to take a step back, reset and find a routine that works for you.
Whether you’re a fresher still finding your feet or a returning student getting back into the swing of university life, this blog is here to help you find that balance between studying, socialising and having some time for yourself.
1. Start getting back into a sleep routine
After a few weeks of late nights, early lectures can suddenly feel much harder.
Rather than trying to completely change your routine overnight, start getting into more consistent sleeping and waking times. Having a rough idea of when you want to go to bed and get up each day can make those morning lectures feel a little easier.
However, it is not just the time you go to sleep that matters, but the quality of your sleep too, which can be affected by your pre-bed routine. Your pre-bed routine is your wind-down time. It is a chance to disconnect from the fast pace of everyday life and instead slow things down, giving your body and mind time to relax before you get into bed.
There are a few simple things you can introduce into your evening to help create this wind-down period. Try limiting your screen time before bed, switching to softer lighting in your room and putting away any university work so you are not thinking about tomorrow’s to-do list while trying to fall asleep. You could also take a warm shower, listen to some relaxing music, read a few pages of a book or simply spend some time chatting with your flatmates.
The key is finding what works for you and making it something you actually enjoy. You do not need a complicated bedtime routine. Even 30 minutes of slower, screen-free time before bed can help signal that the day is coming to an end and it is time to switch off.
2. Work when you’re most productive
Not everyone works best at 9 am.
Some people prefer getting their work done between lectures, while others find they concentrate better in the afternoon or evening. University gives you a little more freedom to work out when you are at your most productive, so take some time to figure out what works for you.
Start by looking at your timetable and thinking about when you naturally have the most energy. Maybe you like getting your work out of the way in the morning so you have the rest of the day to yourself, or perhaps you need a slower start and find that your best ideas come later in the day. There is no right or wrong answer.
It can also help to avoid filling every free hour with university work. If you have a lecture in the morning and a few hours before your next one, that could be a good opportunity to get some reading or an assignment done. Equally, if you know you need a proper break after a long day, give yourself that time without feeling guilty about it.
The goal isn’t to create a perfect study schedule or suddenly become the most organised student on campus. It is about finding a routine that fits around your timetable, social life and downtime, and most importantly, one that you can actually stick to.
3. Give yourself some structure
You don’t need to plan every minute of your day, but having a rough idea of what you want to achieve can stop your week from feeling chaotic.
Think about what you need to fit around your lectures, such as:
- University work
- Food shopping and cooking
- Exercise
- Seeing friends
- Relaxing
- Keeping your room tidy
Having a little structure can make it easier to stay on top of things without feeling like every minute of your day is planned. Your accommodation can also become an important part of this routine. Having a comfortable space to study, relax and switch off at the end of the day can help you find that balance.
Remember, your routine doesn’t have to be strict. Plans will change, and that’s part of university life. Use it as a guide rather than a rule.
4. Don’t let studying take over
Finding a routine isn’t about filling every spare hour with university work.
Make time for the things you enjoyed during Freshers too. Go for food with your flatmates, explore your city, join a society or just have a night in watching films.
A routine should give you balance, not make you feel like you’re constantly working.
5. Make your room work for your routine
Once the excitement of moving in has settled, your room can become your little base at university. Keeping it tidy and comfortable can make a big difference to how you feel when you’re studying or winding down at the end of the day.
Start by keeping your study area organised and putting things away when you’re finished with them. At U-Student, every room comes with a fitted desk, giving you a dedicated space to get your university work done.
You can then make the rest of your room your own with a few personal touches, whether that’s some cosy lighting, photos, cushions or your favourite bedding. Creating a clear space for studying and a separate area to relax can help you switch between work and downtime, making your room feel like somewhere you can both focus and unwind.
For more tips on decorating your university room, check out our recent blog post here.
6. Find your go-to meals
Freshers probably involved more takeaways and convenience food than usual, and that’s completely fine. But as you settle back into a routine, finding a few easy meals you enjoy can make your week feel a lot easier.
You don’t need to become a master chef or spend hours in the kitchen. Find a handful of simple meals that you can make when you’re short on time, whether that’s pasta, a quick stir-fry, jacket potatoes or a simple curry. Having a few go-to options also makes your food shop easier, as you’ll know exactly what ingredients you need.
Cooking at home can also be a great way to save money, especially when you’re balancing a student budget. You could even get your flatmates involved and cook together, turning dinner into another chance to catch up and spend some time together.
Check out our blog post here for some easy student recipes.
7. Make time to explore outside university
Whether you’re living in our Sunderland or Carlisle accommodation, don’t let your university routine become a cycle of lectures, your room and the supermarket. Once the excitement of moving in starts to settle, it’s easy to stick to the places you already know, but getting out and exploring your new home is a great way to keep things feeling fresh.
Try finding a favourite café to visit between lectures, heading out for a walk, checking out a new restaurant or seeing what events are happening nearby. You don’t need to spend lots of money either. Sometimes, simply taking a different route home or exploring somewhere you’ve never been can be enough to break up your week.
Both Sunderland and Carlisle have plenty to discover, so make the most of having a new city on your doorstep. You can check out our Sunderland and Carlisle guides for more ideas on places to eat, things to do and spots worth exploring.
8. Give yourself time to settle
Most importantly, give yourself time to settle. You don’t need to have your entire university life figured out a few weeks after moving in, and your routine doesn’t have to be perfect straight away.
University is a big change, whether you’re living away from home for the first time or returning for another year. Your workload, social life and priorities will change throughout the year, so your routine will probably change with them.
Don’t put pressure on yourself to get everything right. Take the time to work out what makes you feel happy, organised and comfortable, and make adjustments as you go.
After all, the aim isn’t to create a perfect routine. It’s to find a rhythm that helps you enjoy university while still giving yourself time to study, socialise and switch off.
