Whether you are ready to get the academic year started or you’re a little more reserved about getting back into it, there’s no doubt that setting up a good routine in the first weeks back at varsity is key.

Between a jam-packed academic schedule, part-time work, and an impressive social calendar, finding a good work-school-life balance can be challenging. Here are some practical tips to help you start the way you intend to finish from the Virgin Active SA team.

Get Organised

Start off by organising your study space so that it’s ready for you to settle in and put in those long hours behind the books. This could be a quiet room in your house or a study nook in your bedroom, somewhere you can set up everything you need like your calendar, books, notes, and laptop. Once you have a space that is clear of clutter and distraction it will be easier to focus. If you don’t have a permanent space that you can use to study, find a communal space that feels right for you, and perhaps create a playlist to help you get into the zone. Having a digital diary or calendar with important dates and digital copies of your textbooks and notes can make it easier to shut out distractions.

Prioritise your time

The earlier you can master prioritising your time, the easier it will be to find balance in student life. Calendar Blocking can be a great way to make sure you are making the most of your time by outlining a specific time frame for a task, event, or activity in your calendar. Add your class schedule, work hours, social events, and anything else you need time for, like traveling to campus. Knowing how much time you have to get things done will make it easier to focus when you’re in class and fully relax when you are with friends.

Build a Healthy Routine

Start building a healthy routine from the first day back on campus – or even before if you can. Make sure that you schedule some self-care into your day – not just a face mask or a cup of tea, but include time to break away from your desk, get outside, and move your body. Whether you prefer team sports, weightlifting, yoga, or just a walk, taking time to decompress and get active will help you de-stress and make sure you have a strong, healthy mind and body.

We wish you all the best of luck for the 2022 academic year – Virgin Active is here to support you with functional spaces to work out, study and build your community. Kickstart your fitness journey with us in 2022 – Join Virgin Active today!