I graduated in 2013 having studied Applied Psychology and Criminology at the University of Brighton for three years. Once I graduated, I became a Student Support Worker (note taker) for the university in my hometown. I found my first year pretty stressful and for a while I thought I was the only one having problems at uni. However, once I started speaking to people about my problems, I realised I wasn’t the only one and lots of people feel under pressure. Even at work I see lots of people saying they find things hard – and it’s not just first years!

Everyone will be finding something different just as difficult. If you are struggling with balancing studying/working and pleasure then my best piece of advice is a diary! Even if you’re problem is budgeting, my diary helped me with a few “shopping sprees”. I passed this advice onto friends and they found it so useful.

Honestly, a diary will help you balance everything on your plate. Each week put in what you expect to do that week e.g. what lectures you have (be even more prepared and write the topic of the lecture), any extra-curricular activities you are signed up to (if any). THEN write revision sessions you should plan; be firm but fair with yourself and plan for when you know you won’t have distractions e.g. friends over or TV shows. Now if you ask me, I would do this at least a month in advance AND I would have my weekly budget in there to remind myself if I really needed that new top for Friday night (more money at the weekend = a taxi home instead of the night bus!)

Once you see your schedule written down, you feel more prepared. So when it does come to studying you have planned it at a time that suits you and you will not want to waste it. Having the plan means that you can have a good balance of work and play, when your friends ask you on a spontaneous night out, you don’t have guilt and there is no late night, last minute revision sessions on “Exam eve”.

Lastly, for anyone who thinks they are “alone” at uni, I can promise you that you’re not. I wasn’t very confident when I first got to Brighton, but I joined a few societies, stuck to the ones I liked and I even did things outside of UoB. Some of the closest friends I have made were outside of studying and societies – go grab the opportunities! Just remember why you’re at university. I really hope this has shed some light onto anyone who might be struggling or given a brief insight to those of you who think university is just one big pub trip. We work very hard.

Thanks for reading!