This Month: Beating the November Slump at University

Luke M. Williams

This Month…

This Month: Beating the November Slump at University

It’s 4:30, the streetlights are on, and your to-do list is longer than your patience. That’s a summary of what November at university can be like for some students. The clocks went back recently, and the excitement of freshers week has long since worn off. Christmas is coming, but it also feels a long way away if you’re missing home. Plenty of students feel like this, and it passes; don’t worry! If you’re suffering from a case of November slump, then we’re here to help. A handful of small actions can make the next few weeks a lot easier.

Why is November So Hard?

Well, for some, it’s because a lot of things fall at your door this month. The short days begin to force you inside, and that can really harm some people’s general mental health. Not only that, but your first assignments or exams of the academic year are likely due or will be soon. The social rush of a carefree September has passed, so your routine probably looks more, well, routine. Partner this with an ever-diminishing student loan, and you’ve the recipe for a little bit of concern.

Getting More From Your Day

The sun still rises quite early in the day during November, so there’s still no excuse to avoid getting out and about. Whether that’s a brisk morning run or simply walking to your lectures, take the chance to get outside before it gets even darker and wetter. When you wake up, throw your blinds open and grab a cup of coffee because the day still has plenty to offer.

Sticking To Your Deadlines

As we touched upon already, it’s likely you’ve got some deadlines approaching. It’s time to take control of them. Shrink them into bite-sized portions, and they’ll soon feel more manageable. You can split each task into smaller daily deadlines or operate on a wider scale by emblazoning all you have to do on huge sheets of paper on your wall. Whatever works for you! It’s better to do an hour or two of hard work than five hours of procrastinating.

What Keeps Your Mood Up?

The answer to this question varies from person to person. For many, a solid routine is the best way to stay happy. By this we don’t mean doing the same things everyday, but merely having a basic daily structure you can fall back upon when things get too much. So, eat proper meals instead of snacking on unhealthy treats all day, enjoy your coffee in the morning and don’t rely upon it or energy drinks to perk you up late in the day. It’ll destroy your sleep pattern. Then. the rest is up to you! Head to the gym, watch a film, or go for a walk, just do something that makes you smile at least once a day and your life will feel so much easier.

Keep Your Social Life Going

Your next student loan payment isn’t going to land until January, so it’s important to have a few ideas for budget fun up your sleeve. You could host a get together where everyone cooks for each other, or head to Wetherspoons for a cheap night out. It’s a student tradition in many parts, and if you haven’t visited yet (particularly if you’re in the UK for the first time, then you’re missing out). And, if you’ve joined any societies, make sure you keep attending the weekly socials, you’ll meet loads of people who love the same things as you.

Is it More Than a Slump?

If your mood stays low for weeks, gets worse, or stops you sleeping, eating or getting to lectures, please talk to someone. Your university’s wellbeing or student support team is there for this reason, and our friendly staff are always on-hand if you’re struggling in one of our properties. Your GP can also help, as well as the Samaritans. If you need someone to talk to immediately, you can call them day or night on 116 123.

Quick Wins on Dark Days

  • Book one thing for December right now, whether that’s a Christmas market trip or a flat dinner, so there’s a date on the calendar to count down to.
  • A sunrise alarm clock, which brightens slowly before it goes off, makes dark mornings far less brutal.
  • Batch cook on a Sunday. Three or four portions in the freezer kill the midweek takeaway habit.
  • Take the long way to campus while it’s still light. Ten extra minutes outside soon adds up.

It’s not going to get any brighter for a long while yet, but that shouldn’t mean your own brightness should be dimmed. Care for yourself, hit those deadlines, and enjoy the darker nights as Christmas gets closer. If you’re thinking about where to live next year, our new prices are now live, and that means you can secure your place at one of our fantastic student accommodation options today!

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