With so many people to meet, places to visit, and things to learn, starting university can be exciting and daunting at the same time.
The truth is, whether you’re in your first or third year at university, you’re bound to have a hectic diary of studying and socialising. Trying to hold down a part-time job in between lectures, uni placements, food shopping, and going home to visit family is no easy feat.
That’s why McComb Students – the largest provider of student accommodation in Ormskirk – has compiled a list of our top six tips to help you find the perfect work/life balance whilst living in student accommodation.
1. Be organised
From early morning lectures and exams to rent payments, birthdays, coffee dates, and pub quizzes, there is so much to keep on top of whilst at uni – but the trick is to plan ahead.
Whilst you could jot them down in your diary or on the calendar hanging on the wall in your room, why not make a note of important dates and deadlines on your phone? You can even set yourself reminders to make sure you don’t forget about them.
It’s also worth booking some time off work when you know you’ll be snowed under with coursework. You can always take on more hours during the semester breaks – giving you more spending money for nights out, new clothes, food, etc.
2. Consider your living space
How do you like to study? Some people prefer to have their own space, allowing them to concentrate with fewer distractions and disruptions, whereas others work better bouncing ideas off fellow students.
If you get distracted easily, studying in your room is a great idea. You’ll need a desk, chair, and high-speed Wi-Fi – but all our rooms at McComb Students come with this and more.
Plus, after having your head buried in a book for hours (either at your student accommodation or the library), you can relax in communal areas to take your mind off your work for a bit. Why not reward yourself with a nice cup of tea and a biscuit, too?
3. Learn how to manage your time effectively
Are you a night owl or an early bird? Do you work better in long focused periods, cramming in as much as possible, or short bursts with regular breaks in between?
Figure out when you’re at your most productive and plan your study periods around what works best for you. It’s worth setting yourself a routine and sticking to it – that way you’ll get more things done.
4. Keep distractions to a minimum
Are you guilty of procrastinating instead of getting things done? Do you spend hours scrolling social media, flicking between different apps, or binge-watching your favourite TV shows? Perhaps you suddenly have the urge to rearrange your drawers or wardrobe when you should be knuckling down.
Our blog, ‘Tips on reducing screen time’, may help if you find that you spend too much time on your mobile phone to focus on studying.
Living with noisy housemates doesn’t make it easy for you to concentrate either. But having a routine – and avoiding distractions – will help you balance your studies and social life.
5. Allow some ‘me time’
Whilst university is all about studying for a degree to pursue your dream career, making new friends, and partying until the early hours of the morning, it’s also important to allocate yourself some time to kick back and relax.
This could be anything from going for a walk with friends to reading a book, listening to music, or watching a film. If you’ve got the luxury of an en-suite bathroom, you may decide to run a bubble bath or treat yourself to a hair mask and/or face mask.
‘Me time’ won’t break the bank, and you’ll be able to put your worries aside for at least a short while.
6. Enjoy yourself
Work hard, play hard. Finding ways to unwind outside the day-to-day grind will help you cope better with busy schedules, whilst still being sociable and having lots of fun.
Our best advice? Spend time with your coursemates and housemates. Invite family and friends to come and visit you at your student digs, and plan fun days out with them.
If you’re not sure what to do, there are plenty of places to eat in Ormskirk, walking routes, and movies to watch at the cinema (or on Netflix!).
Yet to find student accommodation in Ormskirk?
At McComb Students, we provide some of the best student accommodation Ormskirk has to offer – with apartments and private halls in fantastic locations, just a stone’s throw away from Edge Hill University, and bills included in the monthly rent.
To find out more about our Ormskirk student lets, or to book a viewing, please feel free to contact us. We are always on hand to help and would love to hear from you.
Simply call 01695 422 122 or email info@mccombstudents.com, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
