Thriving, not just surviving: finding work-life balance while studying
I’ve been there! navigating deadlines, learning new skills, completing internships, applying for jobs, and trying to squeeze in a personal life somewhere in between. Through trial and error (and a few too many late-night work sessions), I’ve picked up some tips that have helped me stay on top of things without burning out.
1. Time-blocking: your best friend for structure
Instead of reacting to tasks as they come, create designated blocks of time for studying, work, and rest. Treat breaks with the same importance as deadlines because they are just as essential.
Try the Pomodoro technique (25-minute work sprints with short breaks) or a structured weekly planner to make sure everything gets its place. The game-changing part is to block time slots for your free time in your calendar. While work and study can be fulfilling, it’s equally important to make space for activities that bring you some comfort. Whether it’s a hobby, exercise, or just meeting friends for coffee, prioritize moments that aren’t about productivity.
Adding your free time activities as actual, visible events in your calendar helps prevent work from stretching into your rest time. In addition to these, remember that when you study in Finland, you will have many hands-on projects. While planning your days, make sure to work on your major projects every weekday.
2. Set boundaries (and stick to them!)
Just because you can answer emails at midnight doesn’t mean you should. Whether it’s setting limits on study hours, muting notifications, or communicating clear boundaries with group project partners, small actions can prevent burnout and help you recharge It’s not just a way to create a more balanced life; it’s also an essential quality for being seen as a professional in your future workplace.
Developing this habit early will help you build a sustainable work ethic and maintain a healthy relationship with your responsibilities. Learning to respect your own time teaches others to do the same, fostering a culture of balance and productivity.
3. Magic of the community and communication
Feeling overwhelmed? Talk about it. Whether it’s with professors, classmates, or mentors, being honest about your workload can lead to support and solutions you wouldn’t have found alone. Some days may be chaotic, and some weeks will feel heavier than others, and that’s okay.
Balance isn’t about getting everything right; it’s about adjusting and showing up for yourself, even when things don’t go as planned. Having a supportive community of friends can make your study years more fulfilling and joyful. Joining university events or the city's cultural and sports activities will give you the opportunity to meet amazing people. Taking the initiative to expand your network within and beyond the university will definitely pay off.
In the end, balance is about making time for what matters: your well-being, growth, and happiness. Making small, mindful choices each day will help you manage and truly enjoy work and life.
About the author
Goharshad, from Iran, is a student in the Learning, Education, and Technology master’s programme. She loves to learn and has a passion for art. She enjoys adding a creative touch to every aspect of her day-to-day life.