When people talk about having a study/work/life balance, it’s easy to roll your eyes and think that no one actually ever manages to achieve it – especially when you’re considered a “full-time student” but are trying to juggle study with having a job and a social life.
Curtin has a range of tools and services readily available to help you try and achieve a healthy study/work/life balance. Read on for some of our favourite tips and resources below.
GET ORGANISED
Good organisation is the key to good study. Staying organised will help you manage your time, reduce stress and help you work towards a successful semester.
- Use a schedule to help you allocate your time to all of your different commitments. Scheduling smaller chunks of study into each day when you’re feeling energised might work better for you than leaving it all until the last minute.
- Avoid procrastination by breaking your tasks down into manageable lists that you can prioritise. Set realistic goals for each study session, which will help boost your motivation when you achieve them.
- Keep a calendar or diary to help you map out important dates, deadlines and appointments. This will help you avoid the last-minute rush to complete your assessments.
Check out The Library’s Study Skills online program about Time Management for more tips.
STAY SOCIAL
Friends and family can not only be your greatest support, but staying connected with them during semester will give you something to look forward to and keep you motivated.
- Joining a club is a great way to connect with other like-minded individuals over topics which can help you get your mind off study when you need it. Find out what clubs are available through the Curtin Student Guild.
- Playing social sport will have you meeting new friends while also keeping you active. Find out how to get involved in Curtin social sports.
- Join in on the free weekly Explore Curtin activities, workshops and performances. Many of the activities don’t take long, so you can easily squeeze something in between classes. Follow the Explore Curtin Facebook page to find out what’s on.
PRACTISE SELF-CARE
No matter how busy your schedule may get, it is always important that you take care of your health and mental wellbeing.
- Incorporate an exercise that you enjoy doing into your schedule to help you stay fit and burn off stress. Curtin Stadium offers a range of fitness classes and gym memberships, so you can fit in some fitness between classes.
- Eating healthy, regular meals and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule will ensure you have a steady supply of energy throughout the day and avoid drops in alertness. Curtin’s Counselling Services have a useful self-help sheet if you’re having trouble with your sleep.
- Take a moment to relax and clear your head at free daily Mindfulness Sessions at Curtin’s Perth Campus. Curtin’s Counselling Services also provides a range of mindfulness resources and programs to support your practice.
- Get creative at the Makerspace in the Robertson Library. They host regular Crafternoon’s, where you can learn new skills in a relaxed environment.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
Take check of yourself on a regular basis to make sure you aren’t overloading your schedule with study or commitments.
- While it may be hard to say no to that extra shift at work, it’s important to be self-aware enough to recognise when you are taking on too much. It can be hard to say no, but taking a break before you burnout is better in the long run.
- It’s even more important to be able to recognise when you need some extra help. If you’ve tried some of the above tips, but things are feeling overwhelming, it’s okay to ask for help. Our Student Wellbeing Advisors are available to chat about any issue, incident or activity that is affecting you in any way – no matter how big or small.
Finally, it’s good to remember that there is no such thing as the perfect balance. We all have different demands on our time, which change from day-to-day, so it’s all about finding a balance that works for you.
