Maintaining a routine is not only important when you’re at university, but it is also vital when you’re not.
Whether you’re embracing your three months of summer freedom or you’ve finished uni for good, keeping a routine is really important for your wellbeing. Not only does it make the transition back to university (if this applies!) easier, but it makes you feel productive, giving your days structure and purpose. Here’s how!
Find a Purpose
For me, leaving university was difficult. After having a goal at the end of each academic year for all of my life, suddenly being given so much freedom with seemingly no purpose was terrifying. To maintain your university routine, find something that gives you purpose. Write a book. Have a reading goal. Learn a new skill. None of these things have to be particularly intensive.
Work
With 62% of students working a part-time job alongside university, it is no surprise that this element of a student’s ‘routine’ will continue. However, making sure that you still have time for yourself is a vital part of your routine, if not the most important part. Plan to do something after work – have a long bath, go out for drinks with a friend, or order a takeaway. Having something to look forward to, even if it is small, is worth it.
Volunteer
If you have chosen to take some time away from work, consider volunteering. Not only do you have an immediate purpose, but it is usually more flexible than work. While it gives you a routine and a focal point to your week, it allows you to still have the freedom that you want from not working.
Apps
If you’re anything like me, sticking to a routine or daily habits is near-impossible. However, using daily habit-tracking apps such as Dreamfora or Habitnow might help to regulate your day. With reminder notifications, it’s hard to get away from it!
Keep in Touch
This was one thing that I knew I had to make a conscious effort to do. Particularly with uni friends, keeping in touch can be difficult as they can be scattered all over the country. A weekly drinks session on Zoom or a monthly catch-up in person can be a great idea. Not only does it put the world to rights, but it can help you feel less lonely in the big wide world, knowing that although they’re not physically there all of the time, they’re going through it too.
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