Prioritising your wellbeing while studying for a law degree

With high volumes of work, deadlines to meet and exams to navigate, it can be easy to get overwhelmed at university. As part of Leeds Beckett’s new #OneThingForWellbeing campaign, we asked Adam to share his experience and practical advice for looking after yourself and your wellbeing during times of pressure at university.

“Burnout is real at uni”

The biggest challenge I’ve found with my LLM is balancing the workload and managing my time properly. I had nine exams in less than a two-week period recently, so burnout was inevitable. I know when I’m burnt out because I lose motivation – I know I have to work, but my brain won’t let me and I find it hard to focus. That was made even worse during Covid-19 times. The trick is recognising it and introducing prevention strategies before it takes hold.

“I used to have a relaxed approach to assignments and deadlines”

When I was an undergraduate, I wasn’t as organised as I could have been with my assignments, deadlines and revising for exams. Now I’m studying for my master’s, I’ve learnt that it’s much better to plan further in advance and be really organised, it causes way less stress. I now make myself a full work timetable, one step at a time.

“In the exam hall, remember everyone else is in the same position”

I quite like the camaraderie of exams. I usually put my notes away about 40 minutes before the exam and then chat and have a laugh with friends to take the edge off or just find a quiet spot on campus to chill. It helps my mind empty out and feel more focused for what’s ahead.

If I feel panic when I get in there, I just breathe it out and remind myself everyone else is in the same position and to really take the time to read the questions, and then back again when I’ve answered them. Don’t rush, relax, and take it one step at a time.

“Talk to others”

Talk to people if you’re feeling overwhelmed at uni. Talk to your friends, your course mates, your family, your tutors, the wellbeing team, student services. It helps take a load off, and they’re there to support you. On our course, we have a group WhatsApp chat where we answer each other’s questions, arrange to meet up on campus and we’re all quite open with each other – it makes for a really supportive network. Just sitting in a room with others going through the same thing helps, you realise you’re all in it together and you’re not alone feeling like your head might explode.

“I’ve loved my time at university”

I’ve had good housemates, great tutors who have always made themselves available for help and support, and lots of friends. When I’ve struggled with stress and motivation during pressured times, I think it’s important to just recognise when to stop with your work and take regular breaks to be more productive. Don’t fall into the trap of sitting at your desk the whole day long. I get outside for at least an hour a day, go swimming or to the gym or walk the dog, then on an evening I’ll make sure I turn off and wind down with an Xbox game or Netflix.

You need time to just zone out.

Leeds Beckett University's new #OneThingForWellbeing campaign encourages our students and staff to take time out of every day to do one thing that will benefit their wellbeing. For more advice about looking after your wellbeing at university and how to access support, visit: www.leedsbeckett.ac.uk/student-information/student-wellbeing/.