In part one, I shared how to prepare for lectures, revise strategically, and study smart throughout the semester. But staying on top of your studies is not just about what happens in class or even what you do at your desk, it’s about how you structure your habits, use your resources, and manage your mindset throughout the academic year.
Here’s the second half of how to manage my studies while juggling everything else at university.
- The Library Is Your Best Friend (Seriously)
One of the most powerful tools you have as a student is the library – not just as a building, but as a mindset. It is a space that helps you take ownership of your learning. At university, the balance between teaching and self-directed study changes dramatically. It’s not like high school, where teachers walk you through everything. University operates more like an 80–20 split (sometimes even 90–10) with 80–90% of the effort needing to come from you.
That’s why spending constructive time in the library is key. And the word constructive matters – not time spent idly scrolling or chatting with friends, but dedicated, focused study. Whether it’s two hours of revising a topic, prepping for a seminar, or working on a group assignment, the library provides the environment you need to lock in and learn properly.
- Speak to Your Professors (they are the literal experts)
It is easy to forget that your lecturers are more than just people who present slides. They have spent years studying the field you’re now learning. They hold master’s degrees, PhDs, research experience, and in many cases, real-world application of the theories they teach.
Visiting office hours or even catching up after a lecture can spark some of the most valuable academic conversations you’ll ever have. These chats can help you:
• Clarify difficult content
• Get feedback on your writing or argument structure
• Explore specific topics in more depth
• Discover potential dissertation or research interests
And if you’re still figuring out what area you want to specialise in, hearing about why your lecturer chose their field might help you figure out if it’s a path you’d like to explore too.
- Work Smart, Not Just Hard
One of the biggest study lessons I’ve learned is that consistency beats cramming. Cramming can help you pass, but it rarely helps you understand. And understanding is what will help you write better essays, answer trickier questions, and feel more confident in your academic journey.
What’s helped me most is:
• Keeping a weekly checklist of lectures, worksheets, and reading
• Reviewing topic summaries each weekend
• Building in regular active recall time (instead of waiting until the week before exams)
• Mapping out all assignment deadlines as soon as the term starts
That way, when exam season comes around, I’m not blindsided. I’ve seen the content before, tested myself on it, and left room to revise, not panic.
- Deadlines Matter – But So Does Rest
Yes, staying on top of deadlines is important. But so is staying on top of yourself. Uni can get overwhelming, and it’s okay to admit when things feel too much.
There will be weeks when you’re exhausted. Weeks when burnout hits, when you’ve had events back-to-back, or when your mental health just needs space. Don’t guilt yourself for needing rest. Learn to work with your energy, not against it.
We have had moments where our grades did not reflect the effort we thought we put in. In those moments, it is easy to spiral. But you learn to treat midterms as a checkpoint; a place to learn from my mistakes. If you do not do as well as you hoped, it becomes an opportunity to refocus and improve for the final. And if that final doesn’t go to plan? There’s always the chance to re-sit.
The key is not to wait until the pressure is unbearable. Start preparation early enough so you’re not buried in last-minute work. Little by little really does go a long way.
- Give Yourself Grace
Finally (and I can’t stress this enough) cut yourself some slack. The pressure to constantly get top marks can be draining, especially if you’re also involved in societies, working part-time, or managing life far from home.
Success in university isn’t linear. There will be dips, distractions, and delays. What matters most is not giving up and being honest with yourself when you need to step back, reset, or ask for help.
Remember, your journey is yours – and it’s okay if it looks different from the next person’s. You’re not just here to earn a degree. You’re here to grow.
Stay steady. Stay focused. And above all, stay kind to yourself.
