University life can be a lot to handle at the best of times, let alone in January when days are so dark and cold, and summer seems like ages away. So, we have highlighted some steps you can take to make the second term that little bit easier.
University life can be a lot to handle at the best of times, let alone in January when days are so dark and cold, and summer seems like ages away. So, we have highlighted some steps you can take to make the second term that little bit easier.
Motivation
Each day of being a student can potentially look completely different - it's one of the best parts of university, you never know what could be around the corner. But, getting into a routine that suits you could really help you to feel more motivated and give you more energy.
Taking some time in the evening to reflect on some of the positive things you’ve experienced that day can also be really helpful. They don’t have to be massive accomplishments, even getting to one of your seminars can be something to positively reflect on!
Finally, remember to be kind to yourself and take time for you; being a student is not easy and it’s okay not to be productive every day. There’s always tomorrow to get back to your routine.
Friendships
Term one involves meeting so many new people, but some students may feel like they haven’t quite made as many friends as they expected. This can be an isolating feeling, especially as we come into Term Two.
This is a super normal way to be feeling, but Term Two can present you with a fresh start to find new friendships. Not only can friendships arise from the new classes you’ll be attending, but there are also so many societies and sports clubs that you can join which are an amazing way to meet new people.
There are also lots of Give It A Go events you can attend which are the perfect, relaxed space to make connections. If you’re feeling especially overwhelmed with the business of uni, the upcoming Meditation and Relaxation Workshop could be a great option!
Grades and Assignments
The start of Term Two involves both deadlines and getting grades back for any assignments submitted before the winter break. This can be really overwhelming, and you may feel you’re not quite getting the grades you would have hoped to.
This is a normal feeling for students to have at this point of the year, but remember, you can always contact your lecturers, as well as your personal tutor for academic support. If you got a grade back and you weren’t happy with it, you can ask your lecturer if they’d be happy to have a tutorial with you to go through your feedback in more depth and highlight where you can make improvements.
You can also make use of CeDAS (The Centre for the Development of Academic Skills). They offer 1:1 tutorials, drop-ins, and workshops. If you’d like to find out more you find them at the Academic Skills Hub. This takes place every Monday 12pm - 1pm and Thursday 1pm - 2pm in the Enterprise Hub in the Davison Building.
Chaplaincy
If you're finding this second term tough, you're not alone. Royal Holloway’s Multifaith Chaplaincy team offers support to all students - whatever you believe, whatever your background, whoever you love, and whatever your struggles or doubts. You don't have to be religious to see a Chaplain; all are practiced listeners and have a wealth of experience in supporting people through relationships, work, and study difficulties, as well as dealing with spiritual questions. If you are not sure who to turn to, they will do whatever they can to ensure your worries are heard.
A message from the Chaplaincy…
We have a friendly chapel community so feel free to drop into our services in the chapel and other events — we know it can be scary to walk into an unfamiliar group of people doing unfamiliar things, but we want you to feel welcome and we’ll do our best to make you comfortable! Our Anglican Chaplain is currently running a small discussion group on Mondays at 5pm to explore Christianity and talk through questions together, contact orion.edgar@rhul.ac.uk for more information.
There are also times put aside each day when you can take a break from campus and sit in quiet reflection or prayer in the chapel. We can give you 24-hour access to the Muslim Prayer Room if you wish with your College Card. Find out more about our Multifaith Chaplaincy, services and events, our Chaplains, and how to contact us here.
Further support
Our Advice Centre is a free, independent, and confidential service for all students here at Royal Holloway. Our friendly, experienced, and professional staff will provide a listening ear and offer general and specialist advice. We’re here to support you with a whole range of issues, big and small, and if we’re not the best people to help you with a particular issue, we’ll point you in the right direction.
Our advisors hold drop-ins on Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon 13:30-15:30. You can find more information on our events calendar.