YouAlberta
I’ve become a master of the hiatus. After high school, I called it my gap year - a time to make money, see the world and enjoy life outside school for a while. After finishing my undergrad, I didn’t really know what to do (does anyone?), so I worked while trying to figure out next steps. The next steps eventually led me to move to Ottawa, where I spent two years completing a master's degree. I graduated with a full-time job in the federal public service and was set to start a few months later.
Mel travelling.
Meanwhile, I spent several months travelling in Asia, Europe and South America (25 countries!). When I started my government position (I managed to delay the start date a few times in favour of more travel), I was energized and ready for this new journey.
But I was quickly reminded that paths are not linear. I wasn’t happy in my new position and after months of misery in my job, I realized that I wasn’t where I was meant to be.
Mel at the U of A.
Academia was my real passion, and I needed to embrace it! After almost three years away, I’ve just started my PhD in political science. While I know I’m in the right place, the transition hasn’t been easy. For anyone else navigating this adjustment period – regardless of your unique circumstances – remember that returning to university is a significant step, and it’s normal to feel a bit lost.
Here are a few tips to help you ease back into student life:
Be nice to yourself.
As a perfectionist, I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself. I’m trying to be more kind and gentle with myself, especially in moments of stress or anxiety. Showing self-compassion is a good way to stay focused on your goals while also prioritizing your well-being.
Establish a routine and stick to it.
A professor once told me that “lack of routine is a breeding ground for procrastination.” Establishing a routine has allowed me to get back on track and have more balance. I suggest using calendars or planners to keep track of deadlines and important dates. Each week, I always write a list with my top 3-5 priorities which helps me stay focused on key deadlines rather than getting overwhelmed.
Build a support network.
Whether it's reconnecting with friends in the community or making new friends by getting involved in campus activities, building a strong support network is so important. Collaborating with classmates, such as planning group work sessions, is a great way to build your network and ensure that you have the support you need to succeed!
Make use of the resources available.
There are so many amazing resources offered, from mental health supports to campus recreation to the Campus Food Bank to Writing Services and beyond. I’ve been rediscovering the available supports and using them to improve my work and well-being as a student as much as possible – you should too!
Ask for help.
It can be really difficult to ask for help. However, being honest about your struggles or needs is an important part of being a student and is rewarding in the long run. I suggest taking advantage of office hours with professors or TAs to get the help you need.
Work smarter.
Find ways to make your workload feel more manageable. I love using Grammarly as it provides grammar edits and helps to fix the last odd problems I may have missed when proofreading my papers. Keeping up with all the readings can also be a challenge, so I use Speechify, which can read any document you upload aloud. I like to use it when I’m cooking, cleaning or out for a walk so I can multitask.
Try new methods
The shift back to being a student again is difficult, especially when it comes to sitting down and reading hundreds of pages for class each week. I started trying the Pomodoro method, a time management style that encourages you to work in 25-minute intervals with short breaks - it has helped me find my rhythm and focus!
All in all, coming back to campus is a mix of highs and lows with lots of emotions – overwhelming, exciting and somewhat scary. By celebrating the small wins and focusing on your health and well-being along the way, it can be as rewarding for you as it has been for me!