Postgraduate Taught

Hello, I'm Becca and I am the Student Union’s Postgraduate Officer.

It is my role to ensure the views and interests of all Postgraduate students are represented, in all aspects of University life.
My aim is to work in the best interests of Postgraduate students, from improving facilities to co-ordinating with the SU Executive team to assure that their concerns are heard and acted on.

The pressures of a Postgraduate degree can often feel overwhelming – the word counts increase and so do the expectations. Whether a Master’s student or if you are doing a PhD, Postgraduate mental health is just as important as when you were an Undergraduate.

There is a huge link between poor mental health coinciding with deadlines and exams. We often do not keep on top of things and we find ourselves with limited time to get things done, and this means we have even less time to look after ourselves!

Below, I have compiled a top 10 tips list for managing your stress, time and studies over the festive period and how to keep on top of your mental health!

Top 10 tips for managing your studies over the festive period!

Plan ahead – get those essay plans and research done way ahead of time! Organisation is key.
Create a daily schedule – and stick to it!
Prioritise – Been putting off that one particular paper? Tackle that first! Give yourself enough time to do the bits you might struggle on.
Take care of your physical health – you can’t work to the best of your ability if you aren’t looking after yourself. Get some decent sleep, eat well, and the rest will come easier.
Set achievable goals – we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves and hate when this doesn’t go to plan. Be realistic with your expectations and work to your strengths!
Take a break – Set aside regular 15-20 minute breaks throughout the day, your brain will thank you for it.
Optimise your learning environment – work wherever is best for you, whether that be at home, a coffee shop or the library. Keep your work space clean, organised and bright.
Ask for help – where Google might fail, sometimes talking a problem through with a friend or family member can work wonders. It’s okay to need help!
Make the most of resources – get those books out from the library before you leave for Christmas! January is one of the busiest periods in the library, get them before it’s too late.
Enjoy the festive break – allow yourself time with loved ones over the next month, it’s okay to give yourself time off without feeling guilty about it.

Postgraduate Taught

Top 10 tips for managing your studies over the festive period!

Plan ahead – get those essay plans and research done way ahead of time! Organisation is key.

Create a daily schedule – and stick to it!

Prioritise – Been putting off that one particular paper? Tackle that first! Give yourself enough time to do the bits you might struggle on.

Take care of your physical health – you can’t work to the best of your ability if you aren’t looking after yourself. Get some decent sleep, eat well, and the rest will come easier.

Set achievable goals – we often put a lot of pressure on ourselves and hate when this doesn’t go to plan. Be realistic with your expectations and work to your strengths!

Take a break – Set aside regular 15-20 minute breaks throughout the day, your brain will thank you for it.

Optimise your learning environment – work wherever is best for you, whether that be at home, a coffee shop or the library. Keep your work space clean, organised and bright.

Ask for help – where Google might fail, sometimes talking a problem through with a friend or family member can work wonders. It’s okay to need help!

Make the most of resources – get those books out from the library before you leave for Christmas! January is one of the busiest periods in the library, get them before it’s too late.

Enjoy the festive break – allow yourself time with loved ones over the next month, it’s okay to give yourself time off without feeling guilty about it.