May 24, 2023, by UoN School of English

The importance of routine when living away from home

It is said it takes approximately 66 days for an individual to develop a habit that will become an effortless part of their daily routine. However, what is often overlooked is the difficulty of adhering to this extended and sometimes gruelling timeline. Establishing good habits is a fundamental aspect of personal growth and being an English student at university provides a unique opportunity to develop and refine such habits.  

For instance, waking up early can prove to be a daunting challenge for many individuals, including myself. Why would I want to get up at the crack of dawn when I could stay in my comfy warm bed? It often seems easier to opt for comfort over inconvenience.  

Nevertheless, there are numerous habits that are beneficial to adopt. In an ideal world I am sure many of us would like to get up at 6am every morning, run a 5k and have enough time to balance university work and socialising. Waking up early and having the time to exercise regularly can boost productivity, improve mental health, and help maintain a healthy work-life balance. By challenging myself to develop good habits that offer long-term benefits, I have come to realise the importance of overcoming these initial hurdles.  

Being an English student presents an array of unique opportunities to develop critical thinking and analytical skills that are invaluable in today’s society. These skills are transferrable and can be applied to various aspects of life, including the self- discipline involved in new habits and routines.  

Implementing a structured routine has been an effective strategy for me to optimise my time and balance my university workload with personal interests. By delegating time to take care of myself through exercising and socialising, I can ensure that I have a healthy work-life balance. Self-sufficiency as a student living away from home can be challenging.  

Challenging oneself is an act of self-care, the initial resistance to change can often prove more challenging than implementing the habit itself. Proactivity as a student is an excellent way to foster good mental health, which should be a top priority. Allocating time to research for essays, review notes from lectures or grapple with new module subjects can help prevent feeling overwhelmed, leading to more productive and successful work which is a reward in itself.  

To conclude, being a student entails a responsibility to embrace the opportunities and challenges that come with the pursuit of personal and academic growth. Developing new habits and routines is a crucial aspect of this journey, and with dedication, perseverance, and willingness to embrace challenges and the fun that involves university life, positive changes will serve students for years to come.  

– Amelie Brogden

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