As the Lent term starts and the winter break is over, you may find it hard to get your academic focus out of the inertia (or the “post-holiday blues”, as we know it). This blog will walk you through 5 ways to kick-start your Lent term energetically.
- Spend a day (or two) in the library or any study spaces within campus
After a long break, it’s not easy to promptly get back to study mode. To work around that, wander around and sit in the library or other study spaces (I recommend the great hall of the Marshall Building!) with your tablet or a book of choice. You will, at least psychologically, slowly feel what it’s like to put your mind to study, again.
- Populate your calendar with all the deadlines and assessments for the whole term
By now, you should already know what you are up against in the Lent term. List it all and populate it in your personal calendar. Of course, the StudentHub app is the perfect way to help you do just that. But personally, I find making my own calendar in the spreadsheet another of keeping myself focused. And the crucial deadlines, such as submitting the summative essay, may not be available in the app. Therefore, it is good to make both mental and physical notes of those dates. This way, you will not feel overwhelmed as the term progresses and you will be able to gradually build up the urge to study.
- Look back towards the Michaelmas term
After checking in with the Lent term, it’s always advisable to review modules from the Michaelmas term, especially the ones whose assessments are due in the Summer term. Start reviewing and revisiting the material if you have time. If not now, then plan ahead when you are going to circle back and revisit it. Factor what you have on your plate this term to give you an estimation of energy and willpower to survive the year. Remember that the whole point of doing this now is that you won’t feel overwhelmed later.
- Engage with social events
As a series of lectures and seminars resumes, so do the campus’s social events. Be on the lookout for what the LSE Student Union has to offer by following them on social media. A welcome back party, pub quizzes and other recreational meetups, available to all, are examples of events running during the first few weeks of the term. If you are a member of a particular student society, reconnect with them and see what they have planned for the whole Lent term. Being part of the community will surely build up your commitment to the academic journey.
- Searching for your next favourite study spot
The Shaw Library, a postgraduate study room, or some other secret spot you don’t want to tell anyone, those may have been your usual spots in the last term, however, you should be proactive and find different places to study which you can switch between and feel comfortable with for the rest of the term. A new study routine means rejuvenating your focus!
Before you know it, you’ll get back into your study mode in no time. And remember, should you need any support from the School, do not hesitate to reach out to LSE LIFE. You’ve got this!
