Top Tips for Being Productive At University

In a world full of distractions, maintaining focus at university can be tough. Between lectures, social events, and personal growth, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.

But fear not! Here are some practical tips and strategies to help you make the most of your university years and stay productive!

Create A Schedule & Set Clear Goals

Develop a weekly or daily schedule that allocates specific time slots for seminars and lectures, study sessions and any weekly readings or prep.

Self-discipline at university is vital, because you don’t have a teacher who will chase you up on things the same way your teachers did in school. This means that you must have self-discipline if you want to do well.

Ask yourself, what do you want to achieve out of university, and why? Keep your long-term academic and personal goals in mind to boost self-motivation. Having clear objectives will keep you motivated and focused.

Creating a schedule/timetable is a good way to organise yourself. Treat it like a school schedule and stick to it. You can also use time management apps to help minimise distractions.

But ultimately, treating yourself to some cute stationary is the best way to make organising satisfying and fun!

Check out Papier’s collection of diaries, planners and calendars for the most aesthetically pleasing organisation! Stock up on all your university stationary needs and enjoy 15% off when you spend £25 with your TOTUM membership.

Take Care Of Yourself

Another important way to be productive at uni is to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the fast-paced lifestyle of uni – staying up late finishing assignments, consuming too much caffeine, eating rubbish food, partying and drinking too much. But, it’s important to put effort into looking after yourself as neglecting your well-being can lead you to feel drained and ultimately hinder your productivity.

Make sure you prioritise getting a sufficient amount of quality sleep each night, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and incorporating regular exercise into your routine, whether it's through gym sessions, outdoor activities, or recreational sports.

Remember, taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial for sustaining productivity levels over the long term.

If you’re interested in getting a gym membership, be sure to check out The Gym Group. Had enough of expensive monthly gym contracts?

The Gym Group offers cheap deals and pay as you go memberships. With a laid-back atmosphere and high-spec equipment, The Gym Group has everything you need for a great workout, whatever your starting point.

What’s better, TOTUM members enjoy 10% off their monthly membership as well as NO joining fee. Make use of this amazing offer to make big savings on your fitness.

If the gym isn’t your thing, don’t worry! There are plenty of other fun ways to exercise. Working out doesn’t have to be boring!

Getting good sleep is a crucial factor in being productive at university. Your brain won’t function to its fullest if you’re tired. Find things that help you to unwind and relax in the evenings to guarantee better sleep.

It’s a good idea to come up with a routine that works well for you. Maybe this involves an evening gym sesh or a read of your favourite book followed by some good skincare -whatever it is, make sure to take some time for yourself.

Why not buy a deliciously calming candle? Soothing scents are often the way forward in night-time relaxation.

Whether you’re after scented candles, reed diffusers, scented hand creams, wax melts or car fragrances, Candles Direct’s huge range is bound to have something to delight your nostrils.

Don’t forget, TOTUM members get 15% discount site-wide when shopping online at Candles Direct!

Eating healthily can be a struggle at uni, especially when the thought of budgeting and shopping is all to overwhelming! Fear not, we’ve got you covered in when it comes to how to organise a healthy weekly food shop.

Also consider signing up to HelloFresh, Gousto, Green Chef or Mindful Chef! All great subscription services which make it super easy for you to make delicious, nutritious meals from scratch with ingredients delivered straight to your door. Make sure you check out your TOTUM discounts to make big savings.

Live In Balance

All of this might sound like hard work, which is why we're dedicating this next section to remind you to take things slow and live a balanced lifestyle.

At university, the pressure to do well academically and socially can feel like a heavy weight on your shoulders. It's easy to fall into the trap of striving for perfection in everything you do. But let's be real here – nobody's perfect, and that's okay.

Putting that much pressure on yourself isn't healthy and can really take a toll on your mental health. Instead, try to find a balance. It's important to take care of yourself and prioritise your well-being. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and learn from them – that's how we grow, right?

Set realistic goals and don't beat yourself up if things don't always go according to plan. Make sure to carve out time for things that make you happy, whether it's hanging out with friends, pursuing a hobby, or simply chilling out.

Finding that balance between studying and enjoying life is key to staying sane and happy during your university journey, ultimately leading to better productivity.

Why not plan a cinema date with a buddy? Check out how to get cheap cinema tickets with TOTUM and tastecard to save some ££.

Good luck being productive at university, we hope these tips have been helpful!