How to actually smash your reading week

This article is for the lucky few who have been blessed by the uni gods with a reading week. In comparison to the unfortunate rest who have to carry on as normal, those given a reading week get a full week off.

On the other hand, this blessing also means they are expected by lecturers to use this time to catch up on what might have slipped from their notes in the past few weeks of uni life. However, this freedom from the usual grind of seminars, workshops, lectures, and labs can be very tempting to treat more like a half-term holiday.

Cue the classic angel-versus-devil debate on our shoulders. Do we owe it to our ever-hopeful lecturers to catch up on what we’ve missed? Or should we knuckle down in our studies to make the academic comeback of the century?

If you’re looking to truly make the most of this reading week instead of finding a new binge-worthy series to rot on the sofa with, here is your guide to having a successful reading week. It’s all about balancing productivity and relaxation – because we students definitely deserve it.

Planning makes perfect

The first step to getting things done is knowing what those things are. Take a moment to set yourself up for success: What do you want this week to look like? Are you aiming to finish off chapter six of the reading list or finally making time for that overdue coffee date with your housemates?

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Having a plan allows you to see what you can achieve when you’re free from daily university demands. Whether it’s a simple to-do list or a colour-coded schedule in a planner, organising your goals will keep you on track. Highlight key assignments and tasks that take priority so you can see them in writing, making them harder to ignore! Or, even try an app to help set goals and keep an eye on progress throughout the week.

And of course, without the pressures of making your lecture on time to avoid an awkward-late walk in, you can ensure those built-up tasks can be spread out throughout the week, without feeling too overwhelmed . So, make sure when you’re planning this week you leave some breathing room to socialise and touch grass; some students don’t get this opportunity so rub it in and maybe even make time to visit the beautiful Sheffield peaks between your revision session.

Snooze that alarm

Finally, a guilty free excuse to smash that repetitive snooze button on that Monday morning alarm that’s been grinding your gears these last few weeks. Now, that doesn’t mean sleep in until the sun goes down (cue Arctic Monkeys) , which is around the early afternoon in these seasons, it means giving yourself an unapologetic reason to get back to that dream about Leonardo Dicaprio inviting you onto his yacht in France.

Throughout university, sleep is one of those things that we should prioritise but we soon fall behind on. Whether you’re blaming those Wednesday sports nights or West Street Saturdays or, some all-nighters in the library, each one combines to some deep, black bags under our eyes. When we don’t sleep, it causes us to lack concentration as well as affect our mental health. Therefore, to prevent any of these issues, using reading week to address poor sleep would be the perfect time to adjust your pattern and create a more balanced routine. So, enjoy those extra minutes, or even hours, and don’t be ashamed to even spend a day rotting under your covers if thats what you need.

Reflect on your girl bossing

Reading week should be a pause, a moment to refresh before the chaos of winter exams. Take a step back and acknowledge how far you’ve come. It’s easy to forget how much you’ve been girl bossing this past semester, so congratulate yourself it this far. Reward your productivity – bring a treat to the library or use whatever method keeps you motivated.

While reflecting, set future goals too. And if you don’t have that one horoscope-obsessed housemate biting your ear off about “manifestation,” consider taking a moment to envision what you want to achieve. No, winning The Nursery Tav’s pub quiz does not count. But, there is no harm in a little self-appreciation every once and a while; we don’t all have hinge to give us an ego boost.

Get out of the house

Students are often labeled as party animals, but sometimes those £5 doubles at Tiger Works just don’t fit the schedule. Reading week gives you a chance to catch up on those nights out or plans you had to sacrifice earlier in the semester.

One of the magics of reading week is it stretches over two weekends, making it perfect for a cheeky drink or two on West Street’s Molly Malones. Or, if a night out isn’t for you, prioritise you work whilst also setting up a study date with a friend, ideally one who distracts you the least. With reading weeks flexibility, you can study whilst also catching up on recent gossip. You can also enjoy the independent coffee shops on Ecclesall Road for a change of scenery from the dingy walls of the library, or grab a spot on a park bench in Weston Park while the weather allows.

Refresh your notes

Ever been hit with a classic case of the Thursday morning lecture slump? We’ve all been there, convincing ourselves to attend only to find our productivity was just as low as if we’d stayed in bed. Every once and a while, or maybe more, we attend our 9am lecture but in the end discover our productivity levels are just as low as when we was lying in bed that morning. You congratulate yourself for making it, getting that attendance, but you didn’t actually do any work.

Therefore, use reading week to look back over your notes and catch up. In the long run, it’ll mean fewer all-nighters in the Information Commons, come exam season, and then a reason to miss a Tuesday morning for Tank Mondays. Of course, take breaks in between. Use that time for some guilt-free procrastination.

Try a new hobby

During the first semester, it’s easy to forget the promises we made to ourselves to try new things at uni. Reading week is a great time to revisit these goals. Whether it’s trying a new society, picking up a sport, or even just visiting a pub you’ve yet to try, give yourself time to explore something outside academics, including your talent of how many coffees and monster energy you can drink before you pass out in the library.

And for some, you may want to explore the many exercise facilities and workout places Sheffield offers. Exercise isn’t just for the overly motivated people you see on campus at 6am. A quick workout (or even a stroll for a sweet treat at Tesco) can work wonders for your energy and mood.

With these tips, you’re set to smash reading week. Balance your productivity with a well-earned break, and you’ll return to classes feeling refreshed, ready, and a little bit proud.