Pursuing a masters degree is an exciting time filled with new friendships, new opportunities, and if you’re an international student like me, a whole new environment. But what about when deadlines start piling up, and you start to feel overwhelmed, stressed, and in need of support? 

Hi, I’m Lara, a postgraduate student at SEED, studying Global Development. I’m here to share my top tips for looking after wellbeing in busy academic periods.  

Lean into friendships:

One of the best things about studying at the University of Manchester is the opportunity to make friends from all over the world. Whether you live in campus accommodation or commute, there are unlimited opportunities to find your crowd. Class, student clubs, sports, and halls are all places where I’ve been able to meet friendly people. My favorite ways to de-stress are going to a campus bar with a group of friends, a group walk in the park, or sharing a homecooked meal. Remember, your friends are likely going through similar busy academic periods, so study together! Being able to bounce ideas off each other, proofread each other’s work, and motivate each other is a wonderful tool to navigate times where multiple deadlines are approaching. 

Don’t be afraid to apply for extensions:

While studying for a masters degree can make us feel like we live in a bubble, life goes on behind the scenes of our studies. Family matters, homesickness, mental health, and illness may prevent us from meeting deadlines and managing the stress that comes during busy academic periods. I’ve struggled with mental health and other external circumstances during my degree, and SEED has been extremely accommodating. Extensions can be 4 or 8 weeks, and can apply to mental health concerns, bereavement, physical health, and many other mitigating circumstances. Don’t be afraid to apply for extensions! If you have any questions about extensions or mitigating circumstances, contact the friendly SEED Support Hub, they’re always there to help! 

Seek Counseling (Qwell and Student Support):

If you need help managing stress during midterms, finals, or anytime, know that there are plenty of services available for counseling and mental health support. The counseling service, located in the Crawford house, is a great place to talk through hard feelings that may surface during your time as a student. Additionally, the University has teamed up with Qwell, an app where students can access free, confidential mental health support. In busy academic periods, know that you are not alone.  

Find a fun way to get moving:

During busy academic periods, it’s important to make time for your physical wellbeing as well. Despite generally being a couch potato, I’ve found exercise to be a great way to get out of my head and into my body. After all, the feel-good chemicals that come with working out are much needed when stressing about schoolwork. UoM Sport offers many free weekly activities with its sporticipate program, such as: swimming, yoga, and boxercise! Additionally, the University offers low-cost gym memberships, with fitness classes offered every day at multiple locations. I personally have loved doing Zumba twice a week, as it’s a fun way to exercise and meet other students. My advice is to try everything! It’s wonderful to be able to engage in sport in a non-judgmental, fun-first fitness environment!  

These are all strategies I’ve used to navigate busy academic periods, especially when I am overwhelmed with my schoolwork. No matter how busy school gets, it’s important to take time to care for yourself! I’m grateful for SEED’s unwavering support for its students and feel confident knowing they have our wellbeing in mind. I hope you’ve found my advice helpful, and good luck with your studies! 

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