The summer months are long gone and now it’s time to get down to business. And by business, I’m referring to that stack of textbooks on your bedroom floor. Getting away without opening them has worked so far but life is getting chaotic and so is school. Midterms are finally over but you know it’s just the beginning and your habits need some tweaking. This might mean:
- Creating a study schedule for your next exam
- Asking your prof for some advice
Whatever it is, you know that things have to change because if you are stressed out and continue hitting the sack at 3am to wake up for an 8am class, you might just burnout for real. Developing healthy habits in your academic and personal life takes time and commitment, but the investment is definitely worth it! So before you hit the snooze button and decide to skip your morning lecture, hear me out.
Forget Perfect
Your profs might have crazy expectations and the amount of reading you have to do seems like a never-ending mountain, but nobody is expecting you to be a superhero. Remind yourself that you are human. We all fail, fall apart and make mistakes. See these times as opportunities to learn and get to know yourself better.
Ryerson is Here for You!
No matter what you are going through, there is no need to worry because there are many resources right here on campus that you can lean on for support during overwhelming times.
Talk It Out
If university life is stressing you out, Ryerson’s Centre for Student Development and Counseling has your back. The centre is located in Room JOR-07C, Lower Ground Floor, Jorgenson Hall. It is an awesome place to get support, for free! You have access to group and individual counseling, workshops and the best stress-management tips from professionals. To find out more online, check out www.ryerson.ca/counselling.
Getting Comfortable on Campus
Although classes take up lots of time, making time to relax is just as important. Taking your mind off school for a bit might be just what you need to re-energize and refocus. Here are some of my favorite spots on campus:
- Wind down with a workout at Ryerson’s Mattamy Athletic Centre
- Grab a healthy bite at the Oakham Café
- Find a quiet spot to study or read on one of the library’s many floors
- Check out an event at Ryerson (http://www.ryerson.ca/news/events/)
Being Open to Meeting New People
Be it during a lecture, on the street or while sipping a warm java at the Oakham Café, be the first one to start a conversation. Yes, it might be awkward or random, but so what! A random conversation might be the beginning of a long-lasting friendship. Then next time you are stressed out, you have someone to talk to.
