How to find the balance between studying and socialising at uni

Uni Life – How to juggle studying and fun

Welcome to the rollercoaster ride that’s uni life. Between hitting the books and hanging out with your friends, it’s important to prioritise work life balance to make sure you’re getting the most out of your time at uni without sacrificing your results. It can be tricky learning how to study effectively while still making room for fun, but we’ve got some handy tips to help you strike a balance. Good luck and remember, there’s more to student life than just a university degree.  Here are 8 ways to have fun while you study.

1. Stop procrastinating

Watching cat videos on TikTok and reorganising your desk for the hundredth time is tempting when you’re supposed to be studying for exams, but it’s not helping anyone. Rather than leaving things to later and freaking yourself out with last-minute cramming, it's time to master the art of time management. Grab a notebook or use the calendar app on your phone to get organised. Jot down your 2024 exam dates and other uni commitments like weekly lectures, sports and assignments – and don’t forget to leave plenty of space for spontaneous adventures. Student living is way more fun when you learn to strike a balance between structure and flexibility.

2. Make your study sessions count

When it comes to studying, quality wins over quantity every time. There’s no need to stress, here are the top revision techniques to help keep exam anxiety at bay so you can perform your best. Be sure to break up your workload into smaller more manageable chunks and just take it one module at a time.

3. Celebrate the small wins

Every assignment and every module conquered deserves a celebration as it’s another step closer to your uni degree. Even the setbacks are important to reflect and learn so you can do better next time. Appreciate all the highs and lows – it’s part of the university experience - and do small things to reward yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. This will keep the study motivation strong and give you something exciting to look forward to as you tick off each chapter. How about a coffee break, catch up with a friend or exercise sesh?

4. Studying solo is so last year

Preparing for exams shouldn’t feel like solitary confinement. Switch up your study routine to make it more social. Get a few friends or classmates together and plan a group study session where you can swap study notes and practise past exam papers. It’s a great way to test your knowledge and you’ll be surprised how productive (and enjoyable) studying can be when you’re surrounded by friends. After hitting the books, grab a bite to eat or celebrate with a fun group activity. If uni life has you stressed, a study group can also help keep you accountable and give you extra support and encouragement when needed.

5. Try out the Pomodoro Technique

Named after a tomato shaped kitchen timer, the Pomodoro Technique is a game changer for productivity and provides lots of opportunities for impromptu fun. Set your alarm and study for 25 mins, then take a 5 min break and repeat. After 4 rounds, you can enjoy a longer break of 15-30 mins. It’s a playful time management tool and you’ll be amazed how much you can accomplish with just a few short bursts of focused work. In your downtime, you can have a quick dance party in your student room, stretch your legs or tuck into some study snacks to boost your brain power. It's a great way to prevent burnout. Plus, time flies when you’re thinking in tomatoes instead of hours!

6. Find a study spot you love

Not everyone enjoys studying in a library or at the crack of dawn, and that’s totally fine. Whether it’s a cosy café, breezy park bench or your student room – try out different study spots until you find one that suits your learning style best. This will help you stay relaxed and focused, just remember to put your phone away and switch off social media notifications so you’re not distracted. Read more: The best productivity apps for university students

7. Plan fun outings in advance

There’s more to uni life than lecture halls and textbooks. Be sure to pencil in time for fun activities. Whether it’s a movie night, Sunday market or stroll in the park, having something fun to look forward to can keep you motivated during those intense study sessions. Scape is situated in some epic neighbourhoods, be sure to check out our local area guides for the best things to see and do near your student accommodation in London. Or, catch a train to these cheap European cities in between your busy university timetable.

8. Know your limits – learn to say no

FOMO is real, but so is the need for self-care. Between work and fun, uni life can be pretty full on. It’s totally fine to miss a party or sit out an event. Prioritise what’s important to you and don’t feel bad about taking some time for yourself to work out, read a book or do absolutely nothing. Your real friends will understand, and you’ll be grateful when your dedication reflects in your grades. We can’t wait for you to experience all that uni life has to offer. These study tips will help you have fun along the way so you can smash your exams and make unforgettable memories. Read more: How to Beat Exam Anxiety