How To Keep Motivated: Student Edition

You know those weeks when it feels like you’ve got 8 tests, 6 assignments and 10 exams due – all at once? But really, you’ve got a semi-manageable load that would be much easier if you had a bit more of a spring in your step. Maybe if you just had a little more motivation?

Keeping motivated 100% of the time isn’t easy – we don’t always have it. Our motivation can fluctuate throughout the seasons, and that’s totally normal.

Maybe it’s coming to the end of the semester, you’re tired, and you want to take a break. Or perhaps your motivation might have slipped because you don’t quite understand your course paper as well as you’d hoped. Whatever it may be - there are things you can do to keep yourself motivated. Read on for some tips to help get you back on track while studying at university.

1. Set goals

Goal setting is critical while at university. By writing down what you aim to achieve, you give yourself some direction for the semester ahead.

No goals = no direction.

It makes it hard to keep motivated if you don’t know what you’re striving for. Aim to create a game plan for the semester. Set your goals and keep a note on your bedside table of what you set out to achieve this semester – this will help to keep you going.

2. Create a routine

Behind every successful person is a killer routine. It’s true. With flexible timetables and online learning, sometimes our routine gets put on the back burner – but if you make it your mission to create a routine that’s going to get you out of bed in the morning – you will have a lot more motivation to continue to smash your goals.

3. Use your daily planner

A clear outline of your day-to-day tasks and activities will give you clarity at the start of your day. Ticking off tasks on your daily to-do list will give you a sense of satisfaction and achievement.  

4. Understand your study style

Are you a start early and get it done sort of person or a ‘diamonds are built under pressure’ sort of person? Recognising this will help you to understand how you study best. Maybe you study better in a group or alone with zero distractions? Plan your day around this.

5. Surround yourself with people who motivate you

This is an important one. Have you ever heard the saying, “You become whom you surround yourself with?” If you surround yourself with people who choose to skip class and wing their assignments without doing the groundwork – you could pick up similar habits and jeopardise your success. Aim to surround yourself with goal-getters who uplift and support you to become the best version of yourself!

6. If you aren’t feeling motivated - try to understand why by writing it down

Sometimes it's hard to recognise why we’re resisting something – writing down your feelings is an excellent way to start. Do a brain dump to recognise how you’re feeling. This will help you to better understand your why and how you can move forward.

Are you putting off that assignment because you don’t feel you understand the topic? Or are you unmotivated because you feel burnt out? Whatever it is, figuring this out is the first step.

7. Ask for support

If you are struggling to understand a topic and that’s why you’re lacking motivation – talk to your course coordinator. Be open and transparent about how you’re feeling and that you need some extra help.

If you need someone to help with general advice – we have friendly staff on-site at Campus Living Villages who offer 24/7 support and would be happy to help. Let us help you as you navigate through your university life.