Gareth Hughesis the Clinical Lead for Student Space and is a psychotherapist, researcher and writer on student wellbeing, including the book Be Well, Learn Well
Many students view the final terms with trepidation, but with some planning and support, you can make it a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
The final term can feel scary or overwhelming for some students. The last term of the year can contain a mix of challenges that can include:
exams or important pieces of academic work
plans for moving and the summer
changes in your social group, as people withdraw to focus more on studying
You may also be managing this alongside paid work or caring responsibilities. Many students worry that they won’t get everything done on time, to the quality they want or that they won’t get through at all. While this is understandable, it is also true that many students feel like this every year and yet still do get through, with everything done to a good standard.
With some planning and thought, not only can you do this too, but you may be able to make the last term one that you enjoy and get a lot out of.
Time
Managing your time is really important in the final term. Having a plan will not only make it more likely that you will get everything done – it can also make you feel more confident and reduce any anxiety you are experiencing.
Anxiety loves vagueness. It’s much easier to be anxious about things when the details aren’t clear – this is why horror films try not to show you the monster. Anxiety can convince you that you definitely don’t have the time you need – but often, when we are able to look at reality, we can see that we do have enough time.
If you feel anxious about even thinking about the final term, start by doing something to help you relax (7/11 breathing), or recruit a friend, family member or someone in your university to help. Then build a plan – try to include:
Time for the academic work you need to do. Anxiety may try to convince you that you need more time than you actually do – look at how much time similar work has taken in the past and be realistic about what you actually need.
Time for your other responsibilities. Creating a plan that deals with reality will provide you with something more solid and reliable. Think about paid work, caring responsibilities, looking after your living space, any plans you have to move.
Time to look after yourself. Your academic work will benefit from you taking time to rest and look after yourself healthy habits.
Time to spend with others and have some fun. Time off can help you to relax, give your brain a rest and consolidate your learning. After some time off, you may find that when you return to your work your thoughts are clearer.
If it becomes clear that because of your current circumstances, you do not have the time you need, approach your university for help. They may be able to extend your deadlines or provide additional support. Having completed the plan will provide good evidence of your need.
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Academic work
In general, we become anxious about academic work because we fear the outcome. Being concerned about the grade can make you anxious about failing, which can make you more anxious and therefore harder to concentrate. In this way you can end up in an anxious loop. You may find it helps if you can:
Try to focus on the grade a little less – instead see if you can shift your focus to what you enjoy about your subject. If you can focus on how the assessment helps you to learn, you may find the task more fulfilling and that you perform better.
Try to find a positive emotional connection with the work - If you can find ideas or subjects that you can be excited, passionate about or interested in, you will find it easier to motivate yourself to work and the pleasure you derive will reduce any anxiety you feel.
Use the resources around you – your university will provide support that has been specifically designed to help you. If you use it, you may find it increases your confidence, learning and performance.
Recognise when you’ve done enough - no piece of work is ever perfect. Be kind to yourself and try to recognise when you’ve done as well as you can, in this moment right now and then let it go.
People
It can help if the people around you know about the requirements of the final term, so they have realistic expectations of when you will be around and what you can and can’t do. This can help you to avoid conflict deeper into term.
Do remember that their lives will also continue and that not everyone will be able to make space or help in the way you would ideally like. But addressing these issues up front, can allow you to negotiate an agreement that works as well as possible for everyone.
