Academic Advocacy is a professional service of QUT Guild committed to supporting and representing the interests and needs of students in academic matters, navigating university policies and advocating for better quality of education. This year the Advocacy Team are collaborating with Glass on a Kindness Campaign to promote the values of empathy, compassion, and kindness among members of the community. The campaign will consist of a series of articles that will encourage people to engage in acts of kindness towards each other and themselves. Supporting you with kindness and guiding you with knowledge.
This article was written by former Academic Advocate, Lara White.
Studying can be challenging, especially if you’ve taken a break from it. Getting back into the studying mindset and keeping up with everything can seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to help you get back on track and into the studying mindset to keep pushing forward:
1. Set achievable goals: It’s important to set achievable goals when you’re trying to get back into the studying mindset. Don’t try to cram in everything in one day, start with small goals that can be accomplished within a specific timeframe.
2. Stay organised & create a study schedule: Whether it’s your first semester of university or your last, the workload of university can be a lot! One minute you can be doing a little bit of reading one week to being drowned in assignments and group work the next. Make sure you’re keeping track of your studies by using a calendar and reminders. Creating a study schedule can help you organize your time effectively. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you have enough time for studying and other activities.
2. Eliminate distractions: Distractions can be a major obstacle when trying to get into the studying mindset. Make sure you eliminate any potential distractions such as social media, television, or other activities that might interfere with your concentration.
3. Take breaks: Taking regular breaks can help you stay focused and maintain your energy levels. It’s important to take short breaks after studying for a certain amount of time to give your brain a chance to rest and recharge.
3. Stay motivated & find space: Finding the motivation to study can be difficult, especially if you’re not used to it. Find ways to stay motivated, such as rewarding yourself after completing a task or setting long-term goals. It’s important to find a spot either at home or at university that doesn’t have a lot of distractions. Make sure that it is comfortable for you and has good lighting! It makes all the difference.
4. Practice self-care & balance: Taking care of yourself is important when trying to get into the studying mindset. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, staying hydrated (get yourself an emotional support water bottle!) and exercising regularly. This will help you stay focused and energized!
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for help: The topics you study at university can be extremely hard and imposter syndrome can make some students feel as if they are the only ones struggling. Join study groups and reach out to your tutors or unit coordinators for help. Many units have their own student-created Facebook support groups, which you can find by searching your unit code on Facebook. Make sure that you are wary of not using these groups to collude with other students on assessment or engage in any other behaviour that might land you in hot water.
Getting back into the studying mindset & keeping momentum up as we get further into the semester takes time and effort, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals. Remember to take it one step at a time and stay focused on the end result. Good luck!
About the author, Lara White, former Academic Advocate at the QUT Student Guild:
Hi there everyone, my name is Lara White, and I’m currently in my 5th year of pursuing a dual degree in Business and Law. After graduation, I aim to work as an in-house legal counsel in the government sector. As a former Academic Advocate at the QUT Student Guild, I worked with Kelvin Grove students to provide them with the best possible support. My main goal was to ensure that every student who spoke with me felt heard, seen, and supported during difficult times. If you spot me around campus, don’t hesitate to say hiya!
