To Study or not to study? Now that is the question

It’s over – how quick did that go?! I should have predicted it really seeing as my first two years of University have flown by, a feeling I’m sure many other third years can relate to!

Across campus, the majority of students will have spent the past eleven weeks working their backsides off and will now be welcoming the much-needed three week break. Friday 16th December is the day we can all breathe a sigh of relief as assignments due that week will have all been handed in and Christmas will be just around the corner.

It’s difficult to know how much work you are expected to do out of term time, but think of it this way – term time is the prime time for learning so anything you do in the holidays could be seen as a bonus! Studying in the holidays will be beneficial to you, as if you do it now you don’t have to do so much later.

Time off is important though, as it gives you a chance to relax and catch up on non-work related things like seeing family and friends from home. Of course it is a good idea to do some preparation for the second term but don’t forget to make the most of your time away from work. Here are some top tips for a balanced Christmas break:

BE IDLE!

Do not work on Christmas day! (Not that many would, but just in case you were considering it!)

BE A LIGHT-WEIGHT!

Start on some of the less ‘heavy’ preparation, such as reading, as it breaks you in gently.

BE A SOCIALITE!

Plan plenty of outings with your friends and family (cheap ones of course –unless the parents want to pay, then that’s another matter!)

BE DEDICATED!

Set aside a few days which will be dedicated study days – the sooner you do them the more time you have left for enjoying yourself.

BE ORGANISED!

Note down your deadlines for the coming year – you don’t need to be constantly thinking about them, just bearing them in mind so they don’t get forgotten.