Category Archives: Finding the balance

Momentum

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By Sean (Student blogger: MSci Hons Computer Science)

The words “university” and “smooth-sailing” rarely occur in the same sentence, and it is not just a stereotype. It would be very unlikely, if not nearly impossible, to find a person who can tell you that their higher education flew by without difficulty, especially at a top 10 institute like Lancaster University. Obviously, I am no exception. Despite undergoing two years of a famously rigorous and prestigious pre-university education, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, I still find myself struggling to meet deadlines, failing to understand my notes or walking out of lectures confused. Welcome to your first taste of The University ExperienceTM (albeit one people are less likely to bring up at the dinner table). At the very least, however, I can say there is one thing I have accomplished: I have gained momentum.

Many say motivation is the core of the university student, but I would argue that it is in fact having momentum. While both are essential, I think the latter provides much more of a driving force than the former. Imagine a straight, hilly road with ups and downs, akin to a wavy surface. Now imagine having to cycle from one end to the other. You might see an initially difficult, sweaty trudge uphill but a fast and breezy descent after, carrying you up the next wave, only to be pulled forward by another downhill slope.

If the road is the academic university journey, the ups and downs are the challenges (coursework deadlines) and the bicycle represents progress. Similar to the analogy, it will be hard to get the ball rolling, especially with the first lectures being on the easier side and so many freshers’ events, nights out and society meetings to tempt you. You’ll end up forgetting to do lecture notes, neglecting difficult topics and leaving coursework deadlines till 6am in the morning the day it’s due. You’ll look at your interactive transcript and your eyes will hover over that 43% quiz score, regretting not studying for the one test you know you could’ve easily aced. Once you’ve traversed the initial mountain, however, the story takes a dramatic turn.

It took me a whole term and a half to get it. Catching up was a lot harder because of all the extra weight on my back, but I lumbered on. And while lumbering on, I hit a point where I realised I was becoming increasingly interested in the course material. Getting myself to start on a day of lecture notes became a little easier, and coursework began to be finished earlier. It was puzzling at first, but now I see why: it was my momentum. Harder to achieve than it could have been, but the end results show.

So, from my experience, here are my words of wisdom: Stay focused in class. Start your coursework a little earlier. Love Island can wait an hour. Do your lecture notes after your lectures, preferably on the same week you had them. The allure of staying comfortable at the bottom of the first hill will tempt you, but once you get that momentum going, the breeze will show you that there is no better feeling.

We’re all in the Same Boat

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By Safiya (Student blogger: BA English Literature)

Essentially, it may well be true. Only many of us students may feel that Susane Colasanti’s ‘We’re all sinking in the same boat here’ is far better attributed to us.

For those people who read memes like their Bible, a mental image of the sinking Titanic supported with the violinists solemnly playing ‘Nearer, My God, to Thee’ probably flashed in your mind, with absolute havoc ensuing in the background. The qualities attributed to this havoc, however, would be more of students panicking about an upcoming exam, other students rushing to hand in a paper that’s due in an hour while a whole different set of students nonchalantly walk around whilst raving about not having a clue what is even going on.

I, so far, have been all of those students. Allow me to let you in on a not-so-secret secret in order to avoid being part of the havoc: possessing a work-life balance. GASP.

Yeah. Pretty obvious. But no matter how many times you will hear it, actually maintaining a work-life balance will, surprise surprise, make a massive difference. I have yet to abide by several lessons that I have learnt from my experiences, but from what I have conjured so far, these tips will prove to be extremely valuable.

Pay Attention:

Whether it’s a lecture, seminar or lab class that you’ve decided to attend, the bottom line is that you’re there, so you might as well engage with it as best as you can, even if you’re not feeling it. You never know what you may learn, whom you may meet, and you may even surprise yourself with what you discover you can do.

Work on the Commute:

If you’re a commuting student as I am, in the words of Ross Geller, you’ve been ‘given the gift of time.’ Yes, it’s far easier to whip on your headphones and let your imagination run wild, but it’s far more useful to whip out your books, regardless of whether the old lady sitting across from you is judging you for how many pens you’re using to write your notes (true story). You’ll thank yourself later.

Take a Break:

It isn’t selfish to look after yourself. Taking good care of yourself will allow you to also take care of others later on. Work, alongside personal life experiences, can often become overwhelming. It’s not easy to stay away from home and adjust to completely different environments. It will take time to adjust. Look after yourself. Talk to those close to you. Trust the process. You’ll soon start to see your experience blossoming.

Embrace the Cliché:

It’s only after we’ve experienced certain things that the cheesiest and most cliché phrases will be profoundly impactful on us. But don’t shy away from them. Many clichés only exist because many people before you have experienced the exact same thing. You’re never alone in anything, always be conscious of that.

Pray:

Pray, meditate, whatever tickles your fancy. Ignoring the havoc around you and focusing on your inner self, even if it may only be for five minutes, will relax your internal state in a way that no satisfying video will be able to.

Essentially, we’re always going to have a lot going on. Academically. Professionally. Personally. But we have the power to choose. If you want something, according to the wise words of Nike and, more contemporarily, Shia LaBeouf: Just Do It.

 

Diversity

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By Jojo (Student blogger: BSc Hons Economics)

What does university mean to you?

Take a minute to think about this question…

Well, when people try to ask me about the university, the first thing jumps to my mind is ‘diversity’. Yeah, universities (especially British universities) are such diverse place that you will likely to have met your friends of life, the love of your life, the colleagues of your life and more!

What does diversity comprise? Races, cultures, ages, personalities, activities, knowledge…

Races and cultures

If you’re expecting to meet people from all sorts of places, then coming to universities is probably the best option, so well done! You will see that the universities in the UK are welcoming rising numbers of international students, in another word, you will meet somebody that is not from the UK!!

Getting to know them will not make you regret, learning about their cultures will widening your horizon BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY you can ‘use’ them when you are travelling abroad.

Ages

Is there a limit on learning? No! Please always remember that everyone has the right to pursue their goals to know more about knowledge! Therefore, don’t get shocked when you know your course-mate is your uncle’s age!

Let me share one of my own stories. So my sixth form math teacher, whose literally the best maths teacher you could find on this planet, is now going back to university and studying a new subject at undergraduate level, given that he’s already had one degree and two masters… yeah, your ‘older’ mates could be substantially smarter than you, so don’t you dare judge them!

Personalities

What makes a good friend? Their personalities, right? Lancaster is packed with people who have wonderful minds, wonderful personalities, as well as the weird ones (yeah, you might want to leave those that are weird), go find people that you are most comfortable to be with!

Activities

There are a lot of activities for which you could do, not limited to societies and sports. How about reading a book in the library, if you’re not too busy? Volunteering? Fancy a walk around the campus? Spoiler: the running trail that goes around the campus is a place to begin if you are adventurous and want to try something new!

Knowledge

The university has students and staff that specialise in various areas of study. Knowing your course mates is great, but do also try to find people from different departments – you know that most of knowledge is transferable right?! For instance, I’m doing economics, although I’m pretty good with maths, I’m still trying to get to know as many physics and maths students as possible…

NB: if you’re a LUMS or FST student, then go to MASH if you need help with your maths!

BON COURAGE!

It’s Okay

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By Becky (Student blogger: BA Hons History)

University is a big step up for everyone, the first time away from home for many and a step up in workload and responsibility. Even going from first into second into third year and even onto postgraduate study can be very overwhelming, especially for the first few weeks back. Everyone’s university experiences are very different, and it is important to know that having a different experience to your friends, housemates, course mates or family is completely normal. Every experience is unique and important.

 

It’s okay to… change course and degree. You may join the university and find the difference between it and your expectations a bit too much, but switching modules or courses is possible and an option taken by many to help shape their degree into what you really want it to be. Seeking help from your lecturers and college is a great start to help you settle into the academic side of university.

It’s okay to… not join societies. They aren’t for everyone! Creating your own society is a great idea if you can’t find your interests in one that already exists, but you can still find people who share the same aspirations and hobbies outside of societies. It is always worth trying out taster sessions on offer as you meet some amazing people and do amazing things, but these are not your only options, so put yourself out there!!

It’s okay to… feel homesick. It’s natural. Even as a third year, I still get homesick, sometimes all I want is to talk to my mum. Fresher’s/Welcome week suddenly disappears and the pressure of work and living independently gets to everyone, but you are certainly not alone in this.

It’s okay to… not get on with everyone. It’s impossible to get on with everyone, that’s just a fact. Bridges can be burnt if people make you uncomfortable. Its worth reaching out to societies and your course and flatmates to find people, chances are you’ll meet some friends for life, but don’t be downhearted if this doesn’t happen straight away. You may not meet some of your closest friends until much later on than fresher’s week. There is still plenty of time.

It’s okay to… take a break!!! University is tough, a huge step up with huge responsibility and it’s overwhelming for the vast majority of people. If this happens, just take a step back and remember how far you’ve come to make it to university and how well you are already doing! Watch that series, go for drinks, have a weekend at home, you deserve it!

 

Your university experience is unique, and can be a difficult way of living to grow into. But just being able to say that you are a student here at Lancaster shows how far you have come, even if the first few weeks are tough.

It’s okay to feel like you don’t fit in with everyone’s expectations and feel different, chances are the people around you feel just the same!

 

Forget Your Promises

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By Deji (Student blogger: BSc Marketing)

I don’t have it in me to count how many times I’ve scripted and pledged to some plan of attack that fills the entirety of a holiday with revision and yet, reached the last hours of that holiday having done nothing of the sort. It’s easier than it has the right to be, and happens whenever a university or school term has all but had me concussed.

In battles between me and almighty terms, I’ve had to choose between myself and my grades. Grades have won each time, but the cost has always (eventually) been worth it. Nothing drastic – only the simple sacrifices of sleep and a proper human diet. After “winning” these battles, my MO has been to swear to myself and anyone within earshot, that the next term would be different. You know, that I would allow myself none of the pleasures of holidays. Read, revise, and repeat, so far ahead that when the time came, I could afford to maintain my grades as well as my sanity.

Not sure why, but this hasn’t been the reality. I’d open my lecture notes once or twice during the break, and that would be it. Pride? Procrastination? Perhaps some measure of the two? You decide. Here’s how it goes:

I’ve run myself ragged. I deserve this break. Days pass, and my notes summon me. They do a poor job of it, though. Oh, look – holiday’s over. There’s been no reading, no revising, and certainly no repeating. I use my lack of terrible grades to convince myself that all is well.

A few weeks into the term, I learn that all might not be well. The anxiety is bad, but the guilt is worse. The sabotaged master plan, the great many hours spent on YouTube. Like that, we’re back to a rough Me Vs. Term.

Last session though, it was different. Here’s my take: Forget your promises. Toss them. Into the infinite afar. And beyond, still. Seriously.

Hear me out. You’ve just completed an aggressive term. Probably not in the best space to be making big promises to yourself. Whenever you’re able to appreciate the approaching holiday for what it is (a holiday), plan out your revision. In doing this however, recognise that you’re not trying to fool anyone. You can only promise one day of each week to revise? One week and nothing else? An hour every day? Do that, then. Decide if you can effectively work your revision around your holiday. Might sound counterintuitive, but I figure that this way, no part of you feels cheated out of well-deserved vacation time. If in fact, it isn’t quite well-deserved, try committing to additional time.

In recognising that vacations exist for us to regroup, you don’t fault yourself for enjoying them. In resisting the urge to overwhelm your vacationing mind to the point where it just says ‘No’, you’re much better prepared for the next You Vs. Term. You and your grades can make it out alive, you know?

The end of the year: Balance, reflection, exams and graduation

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By Sophia (Student Blogger: LLB Hons Law)

Every year there are big changes in every person.

As students we have many changes in many parts of our lives.

Before Christmas, we were trying to do our best and most of us were succeeding in many sectors, but after Christmas, almost always something is going to go wrong. From my own experience, I can say that try to have a set program and time for yourself first, so you can be healthy psychologically and physically and, later, if you take care of yourself everything will be ok. You will succeed if you put small goals that lead to the big successful goal.

Trying to be always excellent in every sector of your life will be difficult. Be lenient with yourself, you know your limits and power. If you do not push yourself too hard then you will always have power and strength to continue doing things. All that matters is to be ok mentally and physically. And then you will do better at the academic things.

Feedback can help you to reflect on your year. It is the analysis of your work from professionals. You give a piece of work, your “creation, your baby”, and you are waiting for a specialist to tell you if you need any improvement, or it is ok, or perfect.

University feedback is very important, because from that you can learn many things. Try to accept your mistakes and try to improve yourself so at the end, when you will have exams, you can do your best or in another coursework. Feedback gives us the opportunity to have better communication with our tutor and lecturer. So, this procedure gives opportunity to work better with the department, if any student has some needs the department will help and this continues, and can help lecturers and tutors know if a module needs improvement.

Anything that our departments give us back from our work take it, grab it and try to improve.

Now we arrive at exams… one word that can terrify you.

Every student has their own style of revision. We all want it to be effective and fast but some people panic and think that they will fail. You can take some lessons from everyone. Try to do your best and cultivate yourself from each module. Try to have good communication with lecturers and tutors, so if you need something, they will try to help you.

The secret is not to leave studying until the last minute. Study during the whole academic year, doing weekly or monthly revision for each module and try to have a set program. Program means balance in your life, not being workaholic or “uniholic”. Having good mental and physical health will help you to have a balance, and the word exams will be just a word, and not a difficult procedure.

Some of you will be graduating this year. I know that most of you are happy that you are going to finish and you have new goals to succeed – a job, Master’s degree or academic development, or even travel all over the world.

During your degree you were thinking sometimes if you were doing things right. I think that now the years have passed, you can see that whatever you have been through, it was worthwhile. Why? Because definitely we learnt something. We broadened our horizons and developed ourselves. We are hopefully better human beings.

Sometimes, we cannot see how much we changed and HOW we changed – what were the factors, but definitely, our degrees helped us to change.

Keep changing and change the people next to you. 😊

Slow yourself down

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By Hannah (BA Hons Advertising and Marketing: Student Blogger)

Slow yourself down.

I don’t think it’s just me who has felt massively overwhelmed with the stresses and pressures that we not only put on ourselves but experience through just existing at university: Trying to balance society responsibilities, a social life, plans for next year, interviews and assessment centres, oh and not to forget your actual degree!

As well as sleeping, eating and generally existing.

It all just seems ever so slightly (massively) impossible.

It seems we are always running around, joining in the constant conversation of ‘what next?’ whilst trying to get absolutely everything done from the minute we wake up to the minute we go to bed (or, if you’re anything like me, get home at 5pm and ‘accidentally’ nap for four hours; coincidentally, also the amount of sleep I was averaging a night. But at 5pm I refuse to call four hours sleep anything but a ‘nap’!)

I was living on this carousel, and as easy as it is to jump on the ‘ride’, the more you go round and round trying to fit everything in, the dizzier you get and the more overwhelming it all becomes.

Because like a carousel, the ride of University is a positive one with opportunities left, right and centre. But unless you slow down, it’s impossible to enjoy the moments in between: life happening right now. The rest of the ‘fun fair’.

There is no time like right now, these little pockets of time that you are living today. Not next year, not tomorrow but right now. In our little city of Lancaster, which is home for the now. You don’t always need to be going somewhere fast or anywhere at all.

S L O W  D O W N.

Give yourself time.

It’s completely okay if not every day is full of meetings and essay plans and social media schedules, gym sessions, social gatherings and future planning. Some days may look like settling yourself down in a nook of a cosy coffee shop (because Lancaster has an abundance) with the window misty and the rain (again, thank you Lancaster) outside, sipping coffee, slowly working or just watching the world go by.

Take time for yourself, to enjoy the ride of life that isn’t a constant carousel, which in time makes us dizzy and overwhelmed. Don’t spend your entire time on the carousel and at the end of three/four years realise you missed out on the rest of the little joys. The candyfloss of life.

Be intentional with your today. Your now. Tomorrow can wait for some other day. If you’re always rushing to the next moment, ask yourself ‘What happens to the one I’m in?’ Trust me, and just take a moment to appreciate the present moment that IS your life NOW.

And maybe to you this doesn’t look like cosy coffee shops on a rainy Wednesday afternoon. And that’s okay. Your now can be anything you want it to be. Just make it something, anything,  that’s not a tomorrow.

FIKA (Swedish noun): a moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life.

One day at a time.

Managing coursework and relaxing: End the day doing something new

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by Carlos (Student blogger: PhD in Management Science)

During these weeks, there is something interesting going on at the Uni. Everybody is struggling with coursework, going from one lecture to another and trying to find time to relax. Michaelmas term is over with, coursework handed in and before we realise, Lent term courses have begun.  Some students think that missing one lecture will help them to finish their coursework. Unfortunately, this is quite ineffective from my point of view. Then the question is how to deal with all this pressure while you just want to find a time to relax.

I could say, ‘I’m not the best example to tell you how to deal with this.’ However I have seen some friends that used to work day and night, and sleeping just a few hours a day (or every two days in some cases). I cannot deny that I used to feel a bit guilty after seeing them going to work for a second shift, while I was coming back to sleep.

But then the question is, when can I make progress? After midnight? At the first hour in the morning? After dusk? In my case, the problem was related to a lack of inspiration that used to happen from time to time.  As I had to complete a piece of coursework with 8 different sections by using a single dataset, looking over the same data every day, I got stuck on charts and summary tables, and then I got this moment when I asked yourself “what else could I do?” Fortunately I had some colleagues to talk with and they suggested different ideas, including reading some books and looking for web resources.

Frustration is sometimes the main issue and talking with classmates can be useful to reduce stress but my main recommendation is to do something new every day, to avoid staying in bed and adding something new so you can see how you progress. And of course, you need some spare time that has to be used wisely; avoid staying in your room, go for a walk, go to buy your groceries. Try a different route and treat yourself after making some progress. Assign a time to relax.

Reading a book, going for a stroll, or watching a movie, can reveal something different and help you to see the hidden face of the cube. Also a good routine of a least 7 hours sleep every day, some workouts in the morning, and assigning a special place and time for studying are very helpful. It is also satisfactory to go to bed every day with some new progress in your coursework or dissertation. A clear mind can give you new ideas after a proper sleep. It is also possible to get new ideas while you’re dreaming!

My rule of thumb, in this case, would be to end the day knowing that you have done something new. I had the opportunity to attend a writing retreat, and I was surprised by how much you can write when there are no distractions, no calls, no social media, no WhatsApp. But you have to also be motivated and feel inspired. I struggle to work consistently at the beginning, but after getting involved at the writing retreat and finding some motivation, I think, I could be working on a subject for ages.

To sum up, my suggestion is  to begin your coursework as soon as possible, avoid distractions you identify while you’re working (it is possible and it works!), keep yourself busy during working times in a place dedicated for that, and you’ll get immediate results, even if the progress is slow at the beginning. Don’t desist! As soon as you get stuck, contact your fellows, your supervisor or tutor, don’t wait too long. Or try doing another part of the requirements and then go back to the section if you think you can improve.

A bit of exercise every day, good sleeping and a healthy diet are helpful. Relax at least one day per week (close the book during that day), drink water regularly and don’t feel bad if you have a difficult moment when you lack ideas – it is normal after hard work! Take that time to do something new, some local sightseeing maybe, a new movie, and then get back to work 😉

Finding the balance: 5 things that will make your Lancaster Uni life easier!

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By Navesh (Student Blogger: MSc Business Analytics)

Haven’t eaten a proper meal in days? Don’t have a plan on how to write that 3000-word essay? Feel overwhelmed? If you have answered “yes” to any of these questions – you may want to try out some of my “Lancaster Uni hacks!”

With coursework deadlines and the daunting task of settling back into the Uni life again after the holidays, even the simplest things, like eating, look like impossible tasks. But with some smart planning and help from your friends, you can make the dreary long and rainy nights of winter cheerful and productive.

It is important to understand what is holding you back from achieving your full potential and work on them. Here are 5 tips that just might do the trick!

  1. Sunshine! – It has been proven in various studies that sunshine helps you feel better (check out Healthline’s report). There are quite a few places in the Uni where you get bright sunshine. The Duck pond near PG Statistics Building is a great place for starters! Go out on an afternoon and take a deep breath. Being a little close to nature helps with the stress. The sports centre and Transitions Team also do weekly walks in term time.
  2. Meditate – There are plenty of programs running on campus and you can always drop by to get some advice on how to assimilate all that energy. At the Chaplaincy Centre there is the Buddhist Meditation Room that offers a Zen Meditation Hour in term time. Click Here to get the details. A meditating session just might be the thing to reignite the genius in you.
  3. Dogs to the rescue – Puppies are the best and watching our K9 friends play has some magical effect on us. You will be surprised at how many dog friendly beaches are near Lancaster University. Click Here to get details of the beaches near our Uni. A day at the beach with dogs to play around is a day well spent! You can also help at a local animal sanctuary and walk the dogs, or volunteer for cat cuddles.
  4. Eat well – with a ton of options on campus but very little to spend, eating healthy and regularly can be a challenge. But there are always people ready to help on the internet! I find going to YouTube and searching “Dorm Cooking” to come up with some fast healthy and cheap options! There are “all-you-can-eat” lunch deals in Pizzetta Republic which one can enjoy!
  5. Cut down on the Booze – It’s Friday! “every week” but the deadlines and the grades are forever. What we don’t realise is that Friday night eats up the entire Saturday with a hangover. Try something different – cut down on the booze. One great idea is to have Pot lucks because cooking together is fun. You can spend time with your friends and flatmates when it is raining outside, while having an excellent meal, and unlike other Saturdays, you will have an awesome feast of leftovers rather than a hangover!

Stick at it, it’s worth it in the end

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by Caitlin (Student Blogger: BA Hons English Language)

Starting university away from home is tough. Living away from your family and friends you have grown up with, learning to cook and clean, adapting to managing your money carefully, handling the pressure of academia, making new friends and deciding what you want to do in the future if a massive step – but nothing really prepares you.

I struggled in my first term of first year at university, because I was finding balancing everything very challenging and overwhelming. I loved my flatmates, my accommodation, the city and being away from home, because of the sheer independence it brought me. However, I found balancing a part-time job that was difficult to travel to, maintaining a long-distance relationship, spending lots of money on basic essentials (with a tiny loan from student finance) and trying to get my head around my three different courses, challenging.

The primary challenge was the fact my three courses were so diverse, because at Lancaster University you tend to have a major and two minors in first year, to give you a taster of alternative courses. Readings were also a big problem – I found myself with little to no motivation to sit down, read through and make notes on very bland academic readings set by lecturers, which were required to do well in my English course. I also found the independent study very tough – you can choose not to attend lectures and seminars and you can choose to never do a set reading, with support you can choose to reach out to, but is solely up to you to do that.

My advice?

I would recommend organising to see your seminar tutors if you are struggling with aspects of your course, because they go through details you do not understand one to one. This helped me greatly and over Christmas I was still deciding whether or not I should remain at university, whilst attempting to write out three set essays. After receiving brilliant results in my essays in second term, I realised that I could actually ‘do’ university and it was just the overwhelming introduction to so many new things at once that wobbled me. My other advice would be to talk to your flatmates about your worries because they often feel very similar, talk to your course mates to get extra help and support one another, email your tutors for some clarification on parts you are struggling with and be sure to contact your family and friends from home.

I’m now in third year and very glad I decided to stick at it, because I wouldn’t have had all of the opportunities and met all of the great people I have when at university. It gives you the chance to work out what you want to do in the future, find yourself and face challenges you never thought you’d manage to overcome.