Study Series: How to study like a Cambridge student
University life isn't always a walk in the park; we all know that there are so many different aspects of being a uni student, which can range from sitting exams to performing presentations and of course, attending social events. Sometimes it can feel like you just don't have enough time or energy to juggle it all, right?
That's why we spoke to Hannah Gaffey, a second year student at the University of Cambridge studying to complete her MPhil in Education (Globalisation and International Development).
We asked Hannah to tell us her top three studying tips that she uses to take care of her mental and physical health as well as balancing her course and social life, all whilst studying at the 3rd best university in the world... (as of March 2020)
How do you balance studying and working?
I go to the library and treat it like a 9-5 job with a lunch hour. I find that this stops me from studying too late and risking a burnout. Once I’ve done this, at around 5pm, I will make plans to socialise with my friends. This year we scheduled to watch Winter Love Island every night together! It’s a great way to take your mind off of your studies when you’ve been studying all day and want to give your brain a much needed break.
What are your top studying tips?
I listen to music while I’m studying, but I always have to listen to music that doesn’t include any lyrics (or else I’ll type out what I’m listening to!). I find that classical music and the piano are really relaxing while studying and they're not distracting.
I also like to write a realistic to-do list. If you keep your to-do list realistic and manageable, it saves you from feeling bad if you don’t achieve it all (and it's also a good way to keep track of what you need to do!)
How do you take care of your mental and physical health during study?
In terms of looking after my mental health, I make sure I take time out from studying to do things that I enjoy. So, on Sundays I run a 'crafternoon' (an afternoon solely devoted to all things craft). Other students can come along and make things like earrings, tote bags, brooches - whatever they fancy really! They do this for the same reason as me: to take their mind off of their studies and relax. I also like to play netball to let off some steam.