How I organise my time over university breaks
Amina shares simple ways to balance study, personal life, and preparing for a new semester while making the most of your time during university breaks.
Every time university holidays come around, especially winter holidays, I always catch myself feeling the same way: finally, I can relax. I love the New Year holiday season – it has a certain feeling of slowing down, cosiness, and emotional reset. So, to be honest, the main thing I expect from the university breaks is simply to relax, spend time with my family and set new goals for the next semester.
1. Planning my everyday routine helps me…relax
I love planning, and even during my break, I don’t stop doing it completely. Usually, right at the beginning, I write down all my assignment deadlines, exam dates, look at the topics I need to study for them and make a to-do list.
Surprisingly, this helps me relax better. When I understand the volume of my tasks, I stop worrying that I’m “not doing anything”. The plan doesn’t put pressure on me – instead, it gives me a sense of control.
My advice here is very simple: you don’t have to plan every day; sometimes it’s enough to just have an overview of your upcoming deadlines. It will be easier for you to find time for it throughout the break.
2. For me, holidays are about slowing down
During my studies, I have plenty of time to spend alone. So, during the holidays it is important for me to be with my family. It can be simple things like walks, long conversations, or movie nights at home. It is at times like this that you get a real feeling of relaxation – when you are truly present in the moment.
On these slowed-down days, I make time for things I never have time for while studying. This winter, for example, I managed to visit an immersive Van Gogh exhibition in Tashkent City, which became one of the most memorable moments of my holidays. Experiences like this allow me to truly recharge and return to university with a fresh mindset.
If you also live in constant rush mode, a university break is a good chance to remind yourself that life doesn’t always have to be about deadlines and stress.
3. Studying during university break – but without pressure
I still use part of my holidays to prepare for the next semester or to do things that I kept putting off. This could be revising topics, analysing difficult points, or preparing for exams.
I’ve already had the experience of studying a bit during my holidays – and then thanking myself for it during the semester. The main rule for me here is to look at my priorities and not turn the break into a continuation of the academic term.
Light some candles, turn on calm music, or simply try studying in an unusual place or format for you: try to create a non-university atmosphere to make it more fun.
4. Small joys that make holidays special
Holidays are also about little rituals. Family trips, late cozy breakfasts, cooking, or baking just because I have time and feel up to it. These simple things create a sense of comfort and help me truly unwind.
It’s moments like these that are most memorable, rather than how many pages you’ve read or tasks you’ve completed.
5. Coming back to university can be difficult – and that’s okay
Honestly, getting back into a study routine after the break isn’t always easy for me. It can be difficult to switch back into lectures and deadlines mode, and I think many students feel the same way.
But I am motivated by the fact that I will be meeting my friends, returning to my favourite university campus, seeing my professors, and once again being in my university environment. This restores my motivation and sense of stability.
A few days before the semester starts, I usually look at my schedule to find out what lectures I will have and who will be teaching the new modules. This routine helps me prepare mentally and makes the transition smoother.
6. What I have learned about university breaks over time
One of my biggest mistakes in the past was spending my break feeling stressed instead of simply enjoying it. Now I understand that holidays are a time when you can slow down a little.
If I could say one thing to students, it would be something very basic: enjoy your break. Not perfectly, not ‘correctly’, but in a way that works for you.
University breaks don’t have to look the same for everyone – and that’s probably their main value. So, relax, enjoy, experiment and find balance between your studies and social life.