#studymyway

By this point in the semester, it's hit the point of no return. Everything's due, tutors don't always care, and you're considering if you should run away and join the circus? Yep, you're not alone! I'm feeling it, we all are. So here are my tips for combatting week 11/12 blues: 1/ try not to skip classes. By week 10 or so people tend to drop off, don't be that person. Tutors will probably look at you more favourably if they see you more often. You may miss critical information, especially if you have exams. 2/ having said that, if you need a mental health hour or even day, take it! There's nothing worse than pushing through and then burning out before exams start. Take your time, care for yourself. 3/ keep motivated. Tick off the days until exams are over. Have something to look forward to after exams. My bestie and I have planned our night out the day after her last exam and she's put it in her phone as motivation. 4/ start revising as early as you can, but get through the assignments first. You've got this!! Smash these last weeks :)

Balancing life and study: I'm in a show in a theatre company outside of uni at the moment, and it's taking some effort to balance the time taken for rehearsals and being at uni, especially since rehearsals come after my longest day of classes, and on Sundays. This picture was while I was waiting for a ride home from rehearsal, too cold this winter!!

Sometimes I study out here, but not today!! But I came out to hear the birds and see the rain fall, and mostly to just get some perspective.

I sometimes study out here in the backyard, but not today! But it's nice to come outside for a break and just breathe. Listen to the birds, watch the raindrops on the decking, and get some perspective.

Sooner or later, you're going to hear "this is a group assignment". Now for some, those words may send you into paroxysms of fear, but for some they're the best words you could hear! Either way, you're going to have to learn how to deal with them, so here are a few of my tips: 1/ have a Facebook group chat or page (or both) to keep in touch, otherwise it's very hard to organise meetings and work 2/ meet somewhere fun, like over lunch initially, so that you'll be more motivated to meet 3/ it should go without saying, but remember that even if you're all sharing the one grade at the end, if someone really isn't pulling their weight, their grade may be changed to reflect that, so don't be afraid to ask for help from the tutor if things just aren't working. 4/ don't let time slip away from you! Group assignments can't be done at 11pm when they're due at 11:55...keep on top of it! Lots of love all :) stay strong

I'm super busy at the moment, as I'm doing a double degree, and I'm in a theatre show outside of uni, and in an acting class that's coming up to showcase....ergo I'm slightly dead. And with pretty much an assignment due each week, it's all about motivating myself to get going on my to do list. So what I want to mention today as a piece of advice is this - DO NOT be afraid to ask for extensions!! Check your unit guide (there may be a "no extensions" on that task) and email your teacher/tutor/lecturer to ask for one. Rather do that than hand in sloppy work, or hand it in late or not at all! Also, I realised today that I have an assignment due in 3 days...oops!! Keep up to date on assignments all, check your SharePoint online, keep a diary, write it in lipstick on your mirror, whatever you need to do!!

Last night Mum lent me her nice-smelling candle to comfort me as I worked on a very tedious assignment. By this time in the year, things are getting a bit hectic, and with my outside of uni commitments, I'm feeling the pressure, so this little kindness was really nice!! Thanks Mum!

Rainy days on the bus, I'm so glad I bought new boots! At least my feet are toasty warm! I don't know about you all, but I'm not the biggest fan of winter, so I'm already thinking about how to keep warm and healthy, like taking my multivitamin, carrying an umbrella everywhere, and dressing in layers. I even sometimes take a plastic bag in my backpack to wrap my laptop or valuables in if it's pelting down with rain! So my advice is invest in some waterproof shoes, dress warmly, and stay healthy as best you can! Lots of love all