Managing your workload over winter break: A SOAS student's guide

Economics and Arabic student Marjan shares his top tips for making the most of the winter break by getting ahead on those everlasting assignments, whether that be in a library or the comfort of your own home. 

December is often a bittersweet month for university students. On the one hand, you’re granted a long, luxurious break - far longer than any you’ve had in previous years. On the other hand, it comes with a hefty price: a gauntlet of assignments, all due in rapid succession.   

In this blog, I’ll share practical tips to help you manage your workload during the festive season, so that your holiday spirit isn't accompanied by a looming sense of dread. Here are tried and tested strategies that got me through four years at university. 

Plan ahead: The key to success 

As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” This simple truth underscores the importance of planning your assignments well in advance.

Most modules provide access to assignment briefs or exam topics early in the term, so use this to your advantage by taking time to create a timeline outlining your deadlines. Knowing which assignments to prioritise during the break can save you from last-minute panic. Being organised by planning ahead also ensures you give adequate time to each task. 

Beat the deadline game

Procrastination is a familiar foe for many students. Submitting essays mere minutes before the deadline, heart racing as the clock ticks closer to midnight is a rite of passage few escape. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Not only are late submissions unnecessarily stressful, but they also risk incurring penalties. 

Here’s a tip that revolutionised my final year: mentally set your personal deadlines a few days ahead of the actual ones.

Here’s a tip that revolutionised my final year: mentally set your personal deadlines a few days ahead of the actual ones. This “fake deadline” strategy gives you a buffer to refine your work or troubleshoot unexpected issues without the pressure of a ticking clock. It’s a small mental trick, but one that can make a world of difference. 

Find your ideal study environment 

Every student has their own preferred study environment. Some thrive in the company of friends, others in the comfort of their homes. For me, nothing beats the focused atmosphere of a library.

If you’re like me, be aware that SOAS Library operates on reduced hours over the holidays. Thankfully, as part of the University of London, SOAS students have access to other libraries, such as UCL, LSE, and my personal favourite, Senate House Library. Conveniently located next door to SOAS, it boasts a café, canteen, and prayer rooms, making it an ideal spot for long study sessions. 

Use mitigating circumstances wisely 

Now that I’ve shared these golden nuggets of advice, you should be ready to tackle the next few weeks with confidence.  

However, I’ll leave you with one final piece of advice that has saved me more than a few times (and no, I’m not talking about those paid assignment bots that infiltrate every group chat each year). I’m talking about the coveted self-certified mitigating circumstances.

Remember, the key to managing your workload is preparation, balance, and making use of the resources available to you.

For some reason, I only discovered this in my second year, and I wish I’d known sooner. Every SOAS student is entitled to two automatically approved claims per year, giving you a 7-day extension on any assignment.  It’s not something to abuse, but it can be a lifesaver when life throws a curveball. Use it wisely - you’ll thank yourself later! 

With these strategies, you’re well-equipped to tackle your assignments while still enjoying the festive season. Remember, the key to managing your workload is preparation, balance, and making use of the resources available to you. Here’s to a productive and stress-free winter break! 

Header image credit: Hümâ H. Yardım via Unsplash.