Blogging for myself… hear me out

I’ve heard authors talk about how the best books come from writing not for your audience but for essentially any other reason- for the characters, for yourself, for an issue. In the context of this blog, it sounds kind of silly (I mean I’m not out here writing a book) but at the same time, some of the biggest questions I had before going to uni were: What is life like when going to uni? How is it different from high school? Is the workload really like that of Year 12?

So, my next few entries will be like a miniseries, looking at how I’ve spent my time over the past semester. Specifically, a hybrid study day at home- really helpful for those living further away, so we don’t get tired from travelling every day of the week. Then, a day spent at uni. And finally, a bit of a reflection of my semester- including what I would tell myself back before my first day of uni, what I would do differently, and what I’m planning to do differently for semester two.

This is why I wanted to be a blogger- I had questions I couldn’t easily find answers to and usually when there’s one person wondering, there are at least a couple others also wondering… so, inadvertently I’m writing for an audience.

Slloooowww morning

Studying at home allows me to wake up at an hour that isn’t so insane- 7 am. Not only do I get to start my day slower, and with my dog (Mela), I get to eat breakfast at home! After all that morning stuff, it’s a bit after 9 when I start studying. Today, for example, I have two lectures I can watch online… but to be totally honest, for this entire semester I’ve watched them in the evening at x2 speed. But I’m also very much a person who can’t live without organisation and planning, so I know what I have to work on today.

Study blocks

Again, I love to organise, so a day of studying at home is split into blocks for me. I study in the morning from 9-12, then the afternoon is 2-5, then the evening is sort of a 7-8. It sounds like a lot, but I take breaks within the blocks, Mela always comes around to play with me, and I do procrastinate a bit… So, let’s say they’re very flexible blocks. Still, I’m studying- I’m completing any assigned readings before my next classes (small warning for arts students: first year gives quite a bit of assigned readings for each week, but we have fewer contact hours per week, usually two hours of lectures and a one hour tutorial per subject, so it evens out), working on assignments (right now I’m in the research phase), taking notes… and so on.

Lunchtime and taking breaks

By 12, I’m walking my dog, which is not only needed for her, but for myself- taking breaks, especially combining exercise and the green outdoors, helps me feel refreshed and calmer, especially when the work gets too stressful. Then, I’ll have lunch (highly recommend, and incredibly affordable when homemade, crazy I know) and watch something (update: my action-comedy tv show phase is officially over).

Rest of the day and final verdict

Eventually I’m studying again in the afternoon, followed by some yoga, having dinner, and then studying again (usually watching those lectures at this point). And then I get to rest and go to sleep at a reasonable hour!

I feel like I should note that I generally listen to music when I’m studying, but I just make sure that my attention is focused and not distracted by it- so sometimes I’ll listen to classical or instrumental versions of songs, or a calmer playlist. Also, I’ll always make myself a coffee in the afternoon to keep me going. Again, a bit of balance and breaks is crucial for sustainable studying.

Overall, I really recommend hybrid study days at home- they’re regenerative and at the same time productive, especially when you have some sort of a plan.

– Hannah