Study load

 

Dear Counselling, 

It’s only week 3 of session and I’m already falling behind. It’s hard to keep up with my readings and I’m worried it’s only going to get worse. What can I do to get back on track? - Anonymous

 

Don’t worry, a lot of students find it hard to keep up. Before you can get back on track, you need to work out what’s stopping you from getting your work done.

It might be that you don’t have enough time because of work or other commitments. If that’s the case, you might need to prioritise and consider cutting back on some activities.

Or it might be that you find it hard to concentrate on your study for long enough. If that’s the case, try studying away from home. Go to campus or the library or even a cafe with only your books so you can really get stuck into it. It might also be worth planning how long you want to study for. Sometimes having a goal makes it easier to get going.

You might find one of the counselling service planners can help you get your schedule in order. You can download a daily, weekly and session planner. 

When you fall behind, getting back on top of things can feel impossible. Remember to take one task and day at a time. Set some goals to work towards and remind yourself why you’re at uni. And if you’re still having trouble, you can have a chat with a counsellor to work out some other strategies to help.

(This question and answer is a part of eCounselling. If you have a question please submit it online. Please note this is not a good way to deal with crisis situations. If we are concerned about your safety we may call you to check on your welfare. If you need to make an appointment, please call (02) 9852 5199 or visit the Counselling Service on your campus. Lifeline is also available 24 hours a day on 13 11 14)