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5 work-life balance tips for university students
Studying at university is more than just attending lectures and submitting assignments. You might be working a part-time job, volunteering, taking care of yourself and trying to make the most of your social life. Balancing these parts of your life can help you feel more confident, connected and prepared.
Whether you’re planning ahead or already juggling competing priorities, these five tips can help you build sustainable habits and routines that support your academic and personal goals.
1. Build a routine that reflects your priorities
A clear weekly plan is one of the most effective ways to stay organised. Whether you prefer a digital calendar, colour-coded diary or a sticky-note wall, make your schedule work for your lifestyle. Include key activities like class times, deadlines, work shifts, rest breaks, meals and commuting.
Make time to review what’s working and what’s not regularly. If your workload changes mid-semester or something unexpected comes up, reshuffle your week accordingly. Your schedule should work for you, not the other way around.
Building routine at uni means you can stay on top of what you need to do…and when!
2. Know your capacity and protect your time
It’s normal to feel like you want to say yes to everything, like study groups, casual work, student clubs and events. But overloading your calendar can lead to stress or missed deadlines. Be realistic about how much you can take on, and don’t be afraid to scale back when needed.
Start by looking at how much time your studies take each week, then build other commitments around that. You might need to decline extra shifts or social plans during busier periods. It isn’t about doing less; it’s about giving yourself the time to focus.
Protect your time and make the space for your favourite moments.
3. Make rest and enjoyment part of your week
Taking breaks and doing things you enjoy can improve your concentration and wellbeing. That might mean catching up with friends, going to the movies, walking or spending time offline. These moments help you recharge and stay motivated.
Try to include small pockets of downtime throughout your week, even if it’s just half an hour to reset. Enjoying yourself at uni isn’t separate from achieving your goals – it’s what helps you stay balanced and connected.
Making time for rest is just as important as making the time for study. Image credit: Supercurious
4. Take care of your health, inside and out
Looking after your physical and mental health can help you feel more focused and resilient. Prioritise sleep, regular meals, movement, and social connection. These habits support your ability to manage study and life over the long term.
If you’re struggling, reach out. There are free mental health and wellbeing services for ANU students to access on campus to help navigate difficult periods.
Sometimes, even seeing a beautiful sunrise over the lake can make a difference. Image credit: Pew Pew Studio
5. Use the resources around you
You’re not expected to figure everything out alone. There’s a network of support at ANU designed to help you navigate uni life:
- ANU Careers can help you balance study and part-time work.
- Academic Skills offers one-on-one advice on time management, writing, referencing and exams.
- Student mentors, tutors and course convenors can provide insights into study strategies or workload planning.
Sometimes just talking things through can make your next step feel a lot clearer.
If you’re looking to improve your work-life balance, there are services at ANU here to help.
Work-life balance as a student isn’t about getting everything perfect. It’s about creating habits and routines that help you stay grounded, productive and healthy, whatever your week looks like.
By checking in with your priorities, protecting your energy and using the support available, you can build a uni experience that suits you.
