By Nithini Mamidi, Student Intern

Time Management: Your Secret Weapon

The number one challenge you’ll face is juggling the demands of two distinct subjects. Picture this: two sets of lectures, two different reading lists, and twice the number of deadlines looming on your calendar. Sound familiar? The key here is proactive, rather than reactive, time management. Instead of just pencilling in deadlines, break down your tasks into bite-sized chunks. For instance, if you have an essay due in three weeks, mark out specific times for research, drafting, and revisions.

Tools like Google Calendar or Notion can help you visualise your workload and ensure nothing slips through the cracks. And don’t forget about using the gaps between classes. Got 30 minutes between lectures? Perfect for a quick review of your notes or drafting an outline.

Your Academic Advisor: More Than Just a Box to Tick

Your academic advisor is not just a formal necessity; they can be your academic lifesaver. They’ve seen students in your exact situation and can offer advice tailored to your unique combo of subjects. Schedule regular check-ins—not just when things go wrong. Use these meetings to discuss how to connect the dots between your subjects. For example, if you’re studying History and English, maybe there’s a historical angle to that literature essay you hadn’t considered. Plus, they can guide you through any tricky administrative stuff, like figuring out if your workload is balanced or if you’ve accidentally signed up for too many 9 AMs!

Need help finding your advisor? You can easily find your academic advisor’s details here.

Wellbeing Services: Don’t Wait Until You’re Overwhelmed

Managing two subjects isn’t just an academic challenge—it’s an emotional one, too. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of assignments and forget to check in with yourself. The key is to use wellbeing services proactively, not just when you’re on the brink of burnout. If you’re feeling the pressure, even slightly, book a session with the Student Support and Wellbeing team. Think of it as a tune-up for your mental health. They offer a range of services, from counselling to stress management workshops. And don’t underestimate the power of these wellbeing resources—they can give you practical tools to keep your mental health in check.

Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Reach out to the Wellbeing Team and find out more about the support available here.

Build Your Dual Community: The Power of Peer Support

One of the coolest things about being a joint honours student is that you get to dip your toes in two different academic communities. This means double the opportunities to connect and make friends. But don’t just wait for these connections to happen—actively seek them out. Join societies related to both of your subjects, and don’t be afraid to start or join study groups. Study groups are particularly helpful; not only do they keep you accountable, but discussing concepts with peers can deepen your understanding and spark ideas you hadn’t considered. And remember, friendships in these groups can become a vital support network, especially when deadlines start stacking up.

If you need help navigating the academic side of things or have any questions about your courses, the SALC Hub is your go-to resource. They can help with administrative issues, connect you with extracurricular opportunities, and generally point you in the right direction if you’re unsure about something.

Lastly, Embrace the Challenge and Make It Yours

Yes, a joint honours degree is demanding, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding. You’re not just learning twice as much; you’re developing a unique skill set that will set you apart in your career and beyond. So, embrace the challenges and don’t shy away from making this experience truly yours. Customise your study strategies, leverage all available resources, and most importantly, take time to reflect on your journey. Celebrate your wins—whether it’s acing a tricky assignment or just making it through a particularly tough week. These small victories are what will keep you motivated and remind you why you chose this path in the first place.

Stay organised, stay connected, and most importantly, stay curious. You’ve got this!

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