Managing stress and finding balance as a student
Hear from current student Ahmed on how to balance the stress of university work.
Ahmed
Ahmed is studying BEng Civil Engineering with Foundation Year at the University of Birmingham.
Studying something as demanding as Civil Engineering can be incredibly rewarding, but let’s be honest, it can also get really overwhelming at times. Between coursework, deadlines, exams, and trying to have some kind of social life, things can pile up fast. Over the past few years at the University of Birmingham, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) how important it is to manage stress and keep some balance between uni and life outside of it. Here are a few things I’ve picked up along the way that have really helped me stay grounded. Hopefully they’ll help you too no matter what course you're doing.
Time management that actually works
I used to be the king of last-minute cramming, but I’ve learned that planning things out properly saves a lot of stress. Now I try to plan out my week in advance, using a mix of Google Calendar and Notion to map out study time, gym sessions, social stuff, and just time to chill.
What works for me:
- Set a few small, realistic goals each week.
- Break big tasks down into manageable pieces.
- Track everything—deadlines, events, even breaks—so nothing catches me off guard.
It’s not about being perfect, but even a bit of structure makes a big difference. For more tips, check out the Academic Skills Gateway and the blog on mastering work-life balance.
Staying active helps more than you think
When uni work gets intense, exercise is usually the first thing people drop, but honestly, it’s been one of the best ways for me to manage stress. I play badminton with the uni society, and it’s more than just fitness it gives me a break, clears my head, and helps me reset. Even going for a walk or doing a quick home workout helps. You don’t need to go all out just move a bit.
Why I do it:
- It lifts my mood and gives me more energy.
- I actually focus better after being active.
- It helps me sleep, which makes everything easier.
Don’t struggle alone
There were times I tried to deal with everything myself, and honestly it just made things worse. Reaching out for help was a game-changer. Whether it’s asking a friend for support, speaking to a tutor, or using the uni’s wellbeing services it all makes a difference. I’ve used both academic support and counselling services before, and I’d 100% recommend it. You don’t have to wait until things get bad to reach out.
- UBHeard: 24/7 confidential listening and support service.
- Wellbeing Officers: Each School has their own officers for practical and emotional support.
- Therapeutic Support: Access counselling or other one-to-one support.
Give yourself a break
Uni life can feel like you’ve always got something else to do but it’s important to give yourself permission to rest. I try to take short breaks during study sessions and also set aside time each week to do things I actually enjoy, like watching a film or catching up with friends. I’ve also used the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes study, 5-minute break) and it works surprisingly well for staying focused without burning out.
Smarter, not longer, study sessions
I used to think that studying for hours straight meant I was being productive. Turns out, it usually just left me drained. Now I go for short, focused sessions and try to stay consistent rather than cramming.
My study habits:
- Keep my space tidy and distraction-free.
- Use active recall and spaced repetition (sounds technical but really helps with remembering stuff).
- Take regular breaks even just standing up and walking around helps.
For more guidance, the Academic Skills Gateway offers resources covering essential academic skills like time management and independent learning.
Social Life = Sanity
Being around good people has helped me more than I can say. Joining CivSoc and the Badminton Society was one of the best decisions I made at uni. It’s not just about networking it’s about having people to talk to, de-stress with, and share the experience. Whether it’s a quick catch-up with a friend, a group study session, or going to a social event—make time for it. It helps you feel human.
Final Thoughts
Uni can be a lot, especially when you're doing a tough course, but you don’t have to sacrifice your wellbeing to succeed. Managing stress, staying active, reaching out when you need to, and making time for things you enjoy really does make a difference. At the end of the day, uni isn’t just about grades, it’s about growing as a person. Take care of yourself, keep your head up, and remember: you're not alone in this.
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