Work-life balance at University - Skills Guide

What is work/life balance?

An academic work/life balance is about ensuring that your university experience is one in which you are healthy, fulfilled and achieving your utmost potential. 

Why is work/life balance important?

It is important, as a university student, that each day has a structure that is manageable for you. Feeling like you have too much to cram into each day can lead to increased anxiety. Learning how to achieve a good work/life balance will improve your grades and boost your mental wellbeing whilst at university. 

How can I achieve a good work/life balance?

There are many elements involved in achieving a good work/life balance:

• Good time management
• Taking time to relax and do things you enjoy
• Socialising with friends and family
• Exercise and a healthy diet
• Practicing mindfulness 

Check out the additional resources in this guide for more information and you can search the Library Catalogue for books and eBooks available.

Trying to juggle family life, jobs or other responsibilities in addition to your university studies can be stressful. This can affect lots of students irrespective of age, course, or level of study. Your course may be fairly intensive and may have placements, in addition to study requirements. This is addition to deadlines and exams can build and become stressful.

A good place to start is to be honest about yourself. How do you best work? What things make you anxious?

• Make a list – It can help to write everything down that need to do.  This can help you to offload and subsequently prioritise tasks.  Pen and paper is a good place to start but there are several apps you can also use if you prefer digital.  Good examples are Evernote and OneNote.  
• How do you work – When you do work best? - It’s worth thinking about when you are most productive and plan you studying around this if possible.  Are you are morning or night person?  Do you work best at home or in the library?  Are you best at working for short or long periods of time? 
• Be positive! – It’s easy to be hard on yourself but celebrate success and your achievements.  This will help you balance your studies and promote wellbeing. 
• Get support and reach out – Don't be isolated.  The increase of home working and learning, although necessary, can promote the feeling of isolation which can increase anxiety.  There are many people out there who can help, especially at the University.  See the University services available on UDo for more information.