Is your degree beginning to burn you out? Masters student Rae shares his coping strategies and reminds you that, at Birmingham, there is always help.
Writing an essay for University can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it is important to not succumb to this feeling of being overwhelmed where you can spiral into feeling mentally taxed. Remember that it is okay to take breaks and you can break the tasks up into parts that are manageable. You do not need to complete everything in one go.
Whenever I am working on a project, I would sometimes set a 30 minute timer so that I can at least start. Oftentimes, the time reaches and I am in a flow so I would just extend that timing by an extra 10 or 15 minutes. If I am truly in the zone, this often extends to an hour. However, if I need the break I will also set my timer and once that break is finished I continue the work.
It can also help to physically list the tasks that need to be completed, and once that task is completed, you can check it off and this gives you a bit of a dopamine boost. Do not focus on the final result, but try to stay focused on the process. Those little building blocks that would help to create the holistic whole.
This is especially important for myself as a student studying film. The making of a film has many moving parts and there are pre-production, production and post-production and within that set of categories, there are other smaller processes that have to be dealt with and we need a team of people to handle that. The people on the team are incredibly important as they can help determine the success of a project. It is not a journey to be taken alone.
Similarly, there is nothing wrong with asking for help as this can make your studies easier. You can reach out to your lecturers, other students, friends and family for some support. Do not be afraid to ask. It is better to ask than face challenges alone. It is especially important to have a team to keep you accountable for the work and ensure you are on top of your university work. Studying does not need to be an isolated journey.
Also, while studies are definitely important, do not neglect your social life. Birmingham has a vibrant culture - it is good to explore and connect with like-minded individuals. There are theatres for plays, cinemas for commercial projects, as well as cinemas that focus on more independent films. There is also a wonderful food culture to explore because of the city's diversity. Take advantage of both the University and the city's culture.
MA Film and Television: Research and Production
MA Film and Television: Research Production student at the University of Birmingham
