Student Ambassador Nadia: Managing academic stress at work - What works for me

Starting university is exciting, but it can also be tough and demanding. Balancing a full-time job with exam deadlines can be a challenging task for new students. Assignments and word counts can add up fast, making things stressful.

As a 2nd year student of Psychology at Arden, I found some practical ways to manage the pressure and maintain a balance.

Here are the strategies that help me, and I think they could help you, too. 

Create a realistic schedule

• I found that higher education is less about spending hours and hours studying and more about establishing a consistent pattern. Try to dedicate yourself to 2-3 hours of study sessions each week

Breaking a huge task into bite-sized chunks of information

• After looking at a huge assignment and word tasks at once, it may feel overwhelming and pressurising. However, I planned to break down my lengthy assignments and started planning a draft first.
• Making a draft instead of starting to write your full-length assignment gives you a sense of order, and you feel in control. For example, if I have a literature review due, I don't try to write the whole things in one go. Instead, I focus on completing just one section at a time. This makes the whole process less intimidating and more manageable.
• Understanding your assignment brief is crucial to your success. Focus on your learning outcomes step-by-step.
• Read it thoroughly and multiple times, as it will give you a clearer picture of your target.
• Seek advice from your academic coach, the online learning platform on I learn is a great supportive students' hub

Get support of:

• Success coaches
• Academic tutors
• Extra coaching workshops and drop-in sessions
• Peer mentors
• Well-being coaches

Look after your well-being and take regular breaks, as a relaxed mind performs better.

• Take plenty of rest
• Stays hydrated and get sufficient sleep.

Plan Ahead, Reduce Academic Pressure

• Take control of your assignments by planning ahead. It's common for students to delay starting until just before the deadline, but planning and drafting your project early can significantly reduce stress and save time.
• In the last couple of weeks before your final submission, you can make utilize time by reviewing and proofreading your work.
• Actively taking notes during lectures enhances understanding and saves time when reviewing key information later.
• Stress is hard to avoid but I am sure that by planning right can empower you to manage it effectively and balance your workload.

About the author

Nadia is a second-year BSc (Hons) Psychology student at Arden University, studying through blended learning in the UK. She is based in Manchester and speaks English and Urdu, bringing a thoughtful and culturally aware perspective to her studies and student life.

Alongside her academic journey, Nadia is a creative and proactive individual with a strong interest in psychology with counselling. She enjoys creative content writing, reading, and travelling, and is passionate about helping other students feel connected and supported. Known as a natural connector, she enjoys helping students find their place within university life and build confidence in their studies.