Anyone who has ever done a degree knows the pure dread and panic that comes with being a third year in deadline season. The endless months of procrastination, avoidance, and just simply not doing it finally catch up to you, and you get the horrifying realisation that you actually have to write a dissertation, not just chat about it in vague terms and hope it magically appears.

After months of quite literally doing anything but my dissertation, I’ve finally realised that I need to start putting words on a page and am currently experiencing all the panic and anxiety that comes with that. On the flip side of all this, is the feeling that I need to do everything I can to make the most of my final months at university. I want to dive face first into university life – really truly make the most of having all my friends with in a ten minute walk of me, and say yes to all the fun of ‘uni,’ rather than getting bogged down by the ‘university’ of it all.

So, with this in mind, and also in the name of trying to keep a bit of balance, I thought I’d share a list of the things I’m doing to be just that little bit kinder to myself this semester.

Say yes to the social occasion and actually go!

Now, for all of you who love to say yes to a plan but then back out hours before because your bed, re-runs of Glee, and a cuppa sound far better than shouting to be heard over The Goose’s ridiculously loud music, this one may come as a shock. And trust me I’d know because I’m definitely one of these people. But in the spirit of it being my last chance to experience all of these things, I’m actively trying to say ‘yes’ to life. I am very lucky that I’ve made some fabulous friends over my time at university, and I plan to get every last drop of fun out of them before we all graduate.

I also think this is super important when it comes to academics too. I find I am always far more up for doing work when I’ve been seeing my friends, socialising and doing fun stuff. So not only is this good for your mental health, but I also (and you should listen to me because clearly, I’m an expert) definitely think it’ll benefit your academics too.

Making time for the things I enjoy

When you’re in the trenches of dissertation writing, or just deadline season in general, taking an hour out of this to do a hobby or a sport can seem like the worst idea ever. But I cannot stress enough how important it is to still do this – activities, especially physical ones, can have a massive positive impact on your mental health.

For me – not to sound like a Range Rover mummy who exclusively wears obnoxiously large sunglasses – yoga is one of these things. The mix of movement and meditation allows me to actually shut my brain up and have a moments pause! Dance is another really important thing for me, not only is it a form of movement, but it’s a really fun social activity which makes me very happy.

Setting realistic targets

Mile long to-do lists will do nothing but panic you. It’ll seem too daunting and overwhelming and you’ll just never get anything done ever. Instead, try to make a little to-do list every day, one which is made of no more than three small manageable tasks. This will mean you’ll be much more likely to complete the list, feel less overwhelmed, and probably do your tasks to a higher standard.

I hope that this has been a helpful guide, and that you’ve been reminded of all the ways to make sure you’re looking after yourself. For those currently in the depths of dissertation writing, I send you all my love – good luck!

Read more from Life & Style:

Red Carpet Cosplay: Film to Fashion

Spotlight On: The Grammys 2025: Opinion

Celebrity Look-a-like Competitions: The Latest Internet Craze