LSE - Small Logo
LSE - Small Logo

Ramesh Kugendran

May 16th, 2023

Motivational strategies for LSE students to overcome the study blues

0 comments

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Ramesh Kugendran

May 16th, 2023

Motivational strategies for LSE students to overcome the study blues

0 comments

Estimated reading time: 10 minutes

Undoubtedly, we’ve all been there. Plenty of students are experiencing study burnout and exhaustion due to the exam season. The combination of LSE’s demanding workload and a lack of motivation can make you feel as though you are caught in a never-ending downward spiral that no one else seems to comprehend but you. I’ll stop you there, though; you’re not alone. In my second year and, to some extent, in my final year, I can still clearly recall feeling this way. Every night, I come close to falling asleep with the thought, “Is it all worth it,” running through my head. However, you must restrain yourself lest these negative thoughts consume your mind. Throughout my three years at LSE, I’ve learned a few tips and tricks that have been helpful to me. Not all of them may work for you, but why not give them a shot?

❧ Speak to someone, anyone!

The only way to stop this is to talk to someone about your problems, no matter how difficult that may seem initially. Fortunately, I had a group of encouraging friends who would coerce me into leaving the house to engage in activities that would improve my mood. Going to the gym or just taking a short walk to chat with your friends about your feelings will be more helpful than you imagine. Even if you’re embarrassed about opening up, talk to your parents or siblings; you’ll be surprised to learn they might have experienced something similar.

❧ Stop social media

I make this claim because, in my opinion, social media is probably the worst thing to use when depressed and because our generation has grown so enamoured with it. Watching other people’s adventures while you’re confined to your home studying is not the most pleasurable thing to do. If it helps your mental health, take a break from social media. You don’t have to tell anyone. Once your exams are over, you can upload your new summer aesthetic pictures to your feed.

❧ Book a vacation

Book that three-week getaway you’ve wanted to take to explore Southeast Asia. Why are you holding out? It is best to book a vacation during exam season to give yourself something to look forward to. Whenever I made travel plans, I always felt like I was making progress towards something, and I enjoyed counting down the days until I arrived at Heathrow Airport!

❧ Reread your UCAS Personal Statement

Where have all of that passion, drive, and motivation gone? You must be reminded how badly you aspired to go to LSE because it’s still inside you. I occasionally read my personal statement. Rereading your personal statement will, I promise, bring back all the memories. As embarrassing and cringe as it may seem now, I think of the 15-year old boy who always wanted to attend LSE and had to desperately submit two applications until he got accepted.

❧ Take a break, and take action

A break during exam season, you’re having a laugh? But in reality, I’m not. Contact your department to go over your options if everything is getting too much. Exams may be postponed for you. Take a look at LSE’s assessment support and other School-level support.

❧ Next steps

Although I am aware that everything is easier said than done, please persevere. Ultimately, all those all-nighters, late-night study sessions, and lengthy essays will have been worth the effort. And believe me; you’ll be graduating in July with a tremendous sense of accomplishment in no time. Even if you are not in your final year, the university summer break is the best because you end up with three months of unlimited time to do whatever you want. In order to play hard all summer, work hard now!

But in all seriousness, if you do require more assistance, get in touch with someone using the links provided above. Alternately, reach Spectrum.Life at any time by dialling 0808 189 01 03 to get support on-demand or contact the Student Counselling Service.

About the author

Ramesh Kugendran

Welcome to my blog! I'm Ramesh Kugendran, a student of International Social and Public Policy at LSE. As someone who is passionate about Social and Public Policy, I am excited to share my thoughts, insights, and experiences on this blog. Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoy reading my blog!

Posted In: Student life

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Bad Behavior has blocked 1341 access attempts in the last 7 days.