Most Innisians reading this right now are probably dealing with several assignments and exams that are due in a matter of days. As a student in one of the most academic universities in Canada, UofT students are expected to satisfy the rigorous academic expectations set by the school — and that is none other than our experience here at UofT.

I’ll begin by sharing my story. Ever since I began my study in 2020, I continuously pushed myself to excel at academics despite my financial circumstances. While taking a full-time course load, I worked part-time in retail and also participated in various school clubs. This was the only way for me to get accepted in the POSt program that I wanted to be in, as well as for many other opportunities that I wanted in the future. So I kept pushing myself forward without looking back. Long story short, this continuous push led to the downfall of me getting burnt out and I began to struggle academically.

From then on, I tried various tips and tricks to overcome burnout and I began to establish a study method that would help me succeed academically. Although I struggled a lot, the process of finding a study method was a crucial learning experience where I learned how to manage my academic life wisely. Knowing that many UofT students have similar struggles as me, I hope the tips that I will introduce here are helpful for those who are struggling at the moment. Don’t worry, we are in this together.

Tip #1: Find your favourite study spot

Having a place where you feel comfortable and studious enough is key to motivating yourself. If you are the type of person who gets easily distracted, you might look for a quiet place with a studious atmosphere — a library or a small café would be a great fit. Once you find a place where you think you can study well, visit there often and study to familiarize yourself with the environment. Even if you are working on the most difficult assignment, you are more likely to have a better study experience since you are in a place you like. I’ve seen people on social media referring to this as romanticizing one’s study experience and this description seems about right. While studying at your favourite study spot, you get to enjoy the process of studying itself rather than getting too stressed out about the study outcome.

           My personal favourite is the Toronto Reference Library near Bloor & Yonge. I’m sensitive to noise and I lack the self-discipline to control my social media addiction. Since Toronto Reference Library is a big library with many people quietly studying, I find that this place is a good fit for me to discipline myself to study like others near me. I also like the warm brown tone of the library which makes me comfortable as if I’m in my grandma’s old house. Not to mention that the library is easily accessible as it’s right beside the subway station and a few minutes walk from the campus.

Tip #2: Plan Ahead!

Whether it’s Google Calendar, Notion or a bullet journal, keeping track of your academic (and social) schedule is important. Make note of your faculty’s academic deadlines and refer to your syllabus to write down important course deadlines. Having to keep track of all of your academics allows you to mentally prepare yourself for the deadlines coming ahead. This way you will be able to reduce the overwhelming stress that you have and empty up your headspace with the things that you need to focus on immediately.

           I personally prefer using a bullet journal to plan all of my schedules. At the beginning of the semester, I read over the faculty website and syllabuses to create a ‘future log’ with a list of deadlines. I also create a timeline to ensure I’m on the right track to completing my degree requirements. As an overly anxious person with a lot going on in my head, dumping all of the important dates in one journal helps me clear out my headspace and rely on the journal to keep track of my university life. Although this old-school method of writing down works the best for me, I know many others prefer online planners like Notion or even Apple Reminders. Don’t be hesitant to venture out and use different planning methods and find the method that works best for you! I guarantee it will make your study life much easier.

Tip #3: Take a Break

Whether you just started university, or you’ve been here for a while, I’m sure many of you rarely have a chance to take a break between your studies. Many students take summer schools or internships during summer and there’s no time to catch a breath from all the work that they did during the Fall-Winter term. Although that is what university students are typically expected to be like, I believe it’s okay to take a little break in between. We are in university to get the best experience out of it and there’s nothing wrong with pacing it at the speed that we want.

Maybe you’ll only take three to four courses per semester or go on a study abroad program – there are plenty of opportunities that UofT offers to help you get the experience that you want. Talk with the registrar to find what’s the best for you and research what kinds of programs UofT offers to support your experience. Until recently, I did not know about study abroad opportunities provided by the Centre of International Experience and the awards that they give out to students to cover the travelling cost. With the support of UofT, I will be going on an exchange this Winter/Summer semester to take a little breather between my academic life. Just like me, there are many different opportunities at UofT that you might’ve not known before. Make use of the various programs offered by the school and hopefully these opportunities outside of regular courses help you motivate yourself to enjoy the rest of your experience here at UofT.