Christmas is almost here, which means a much-awaited and deeply longed-for break from the 9 to 5 pattern of university life. The holiday period for Bristol students is starting a little later than normal this year, so, naturally, my friends and I are counting down the days until we get to retreat to the festive comforts of home.
This is my second Christmas coming home from uni and I remember the same time last year being quite a culture shock; the jump from student accommodation and rationed toilet paper to a house that is too hot – though you never believed there could be such a thing – and surprises in the form of presents rather than re-timetabled lectures and unexpected
deadlines.
Post-Christmas examinations
Over it all, though, loom the post-Christmas examinations, which can’t help but make the season a little less jolly.
This is when all students must learn to juggle enjoying the well-earned rest and respite as well as finding time to work, a skill that vet students will likely have to draw on for the rest of their careers.
The task is not an easy one – ever since GCSEs kept me inside, revising on sunny summer days, post-holiday exams have been a bane of mine. It can also feel quite unjust and confusing when your university and lecturers both tell you to “have a relaxing holiday” and “take some time off”, but still expect the same quality of work you’ve been producing all term.
The same demand is made of most students, veterinary or otherwise, but for those who are also trying to fit two weeks of work experience into the bargain – such as my, perhaps foolish, self – the challenge and strain on time management become greater.
Staying motivated
Treading the line between work and play can be a daunting prospect, especially at a time when all you want to do is kick back and enjoy yourself. Staying motivated is really important. Being back home can feel like living in a whole other world, and it can be easy, especially if you live miles away from your university, to forget exams really do exist and are around the corner. On the other side of the coin, it’s important to engage with whatever holiday traditions your family takes part in, and not lock yourself away behind your bedroom door with only text books and highlighters for company.
Exams aside, and as patronising and impossible as it sounds, it is important to take some down time over the Christmas holidays with your family and friends. Mental health can take a dive during exam periods and working endlessly isn’t healthy. Of course, it’s important to study for those tests, get good grades and be the best that you can be – and if your joy stems from doing that then great.
But, at the same time, if you’re miserable because you have no time to spend with important people or to clock off then what is the point? It’s also important to recognise if you’re not at your best mentally, your capacity to revise is going to be low; so taking breaks isn’t detrimental to your studying, quite the opposite.
I love what I study, so a small break from learning recharges my batteries, but also makes me itch to start learning again. A work-life balance is a part of every course and every career, and it’s important to find something that works for you.
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