I am Xin Ni. I am an international student from China. I have been studying abroad since the age of 15. I am a huge fan of basketball, photography and I also play video games sometimes. I am currently doing a BSc (Hons) Management (A&F) degree at AMBS. I enjoy using quantitative and qualitative information to conduct analysis and interpret the results my way.
Are you excited for the new semester? Or are you a little bit worried about your studies because of the pandemic? We must admit that things change very frequently these days. Whether you are studying remotely or on campus, it is easy to get lost during this confusing time. Here are some tips for you to make the most of your studies at the University of Manchester.
Be organised
Make the most of your calendar and reminder. The famous productivity book “Getting Things Done” states that you won’t stop worrying about something unless you know that you will be reminded of it sometime in the future. I usually use a calendar for long term things such as a deadline or an appointment, which will happen regardless of the time. Whereas reminder is for daily tasks that I need to complete in a period of time.
Plan your day out. This is absolutely essential if you are studying remotely since there’s no fixed timetable. You don’t have to assign every hour of the day to a specific task. What I like to do, is to write down the tasks that I need to complete for the day in the morning, lectures and seminars also count! Sometimes it is easy to start with the simple ones, and the satisfaction of completing it will drive you through the rest. When you tick all the boxes at the end of the day, you will truly feel relaxed. Don’t let procrastination get in your way!
Break things down. You have a 2000 word essay to finish in a month. You can break it down into five 400 words components and set a deadline for each. For instance, 400 words every three days. It also gives you plenty of time to edit and spot potential problems.
Peers and friends
I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to everyone to stay connected with your friends and family on a regular basis. Especially if you are studying remotely and stuck in your bedroom. Make sure that you check in with your friends every so often. It can be about your studies, sports or just your dog at home. It might also be a good idea to study alongside your friends or arrange a basketball game on the weekend. Meanwhile, be fit! Your brain needs you to take care of your physical well-being. If your parents aren’t with you in Manchester, give them a video call every week just to show some love and tell them you are doing great!
Mental wellbeing and school counselling
Your mental health is as important as your physical health, if not, it is only more important. You need to arrange your time effectively. University life can get stressful at times, but as long as you are well-organised and positive, the process is extremely rewarding. The University of Manchester has invested heavily into student wellbeing in recent years. If you ever feel depressed, don’t be afraid to reach out to the counselling team at UoM.
Lastly, I hope you have a wonderful time studying at the University of Manchester!
