Keep procrastinating? Here are five tips to motivate you in semester two

As we step into semester two, the workload can start to feel overwhelming, and motivation might begin to wane. The colder months are behind us, deadlines are creeping closer, and for final-year students, the pressure for dissertations and future looms large. But this semester also brings longer days, sunnier weather, and plenty of opportunities to make the most of university life while staying on top of your studies.

If you’re struggling to keep your momentum, here are five simple but effective ways to stay motivated, maintain balance, and actually enjoy the second half of the academic year!

1. Plan your days

Realising that deadlines are approaching sooner than expected can be overwhelming – but this is where a planner or calendar becomes your best ally. Mapping out your week in advance helps you stay on top of university work while also carving out time for fun activities and much-needed downtime.

As a final year student juggling week to week module work and a dissertation, I’ve found that effective planning is essential. My top tip? Keep your weekends free. There’s no better feeling than waking up on Saturday morning knowing you’ve worked hard all week, met your personal targets, and now have the weekend to relax or enjoy as you please.

A structured plan, combined with a to-do list, can be incredibly motivating – there’s something satisfying about physically ticking off completed tasks. It keeps you focused, encourages momentum, and makes tackling each new day feel just as rewarding as the last.

2. Spend time with your housemates

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Your housemates and friends are your greatest support system. I know my university experience wouldn’t be half as enjoyable without my girls by my side.

Planning fun activities and making the most of the city together can be the perfect escape from the pressures of academic life. Whether it’s a cozy picnic in the park, trip to the pub, day at the museum, or, if you’re anything like me and my housemates, a slightly chaotic night at Revs! These moments bring balance and joy to university life.

When things get tough, the people around you will always be there to lift you up – a problem shared is truly a problem halved. If final exams, deadlines, or the weekly workload start to feel overwhelming, don’t bottle it up. Talk to your friends, lean on each other, and take comfort in the little things. It’s amazing what a night in with your best girls and the perfect cup of tea can fix!

3. The sun is out – get outside

Spring and summer in York are truly some of the best times of the year – there’s so much to see and do, so make the most of it!

As much as we all appreciate the library, its brutalist walls can start to feel a little stifling, so take the opportunity to step outside and soak up the sunshine. Even a simple walk through the Minister Gardens can be a refreshing escape. When the weather is good, the city feels even more inviting, so why not take your work to a café, or set up in the gardens for a change of scenery?

If you’re in your final year, this is even more important – make the most of everything York has to offer while you can. Whether its heading into town with your friends for a well-earned pint at the pub garden, my personal favourite being Fossgate Social, or simply taking time to appreciate the city’s charm, maintaining a balance between work and play is key. And whether you’re celebrating your successes or drowning your sorrows, there’s no better excuse to embrace the joys of semester two and the arrival of sunnier days!

4. Get your body moving

With all the hours spent in the library, it’s important to keep your body moving and make time for exercise. Whether is a daily walk, a trip to the gym, or simply stretching your legs between study sessions, getting your blood pumping can do wonders – especially when stress levels are high.

Taking a break from work, even for a short while, gives your mind the reset it needs and helps improve focus when you return. Its easy to feel like exercise no longer fits into your busy schedule, but even a quick walk each day can make a huge difference, both physically and mentally.

Now that the days are getting longer, why not take yourself on an evening stroll to clear your head and unwind from the pressures of deadlines? Prioritising your well-being alongside your studies will leave you feeling more refreshed, focused, and ready to tackle whatever comes next.

5. Remember why you’re doing your degree

At times, our degrees can start to feel more like a chore than a passion, trust me, we’ve all been there. But in those moments, it’s important to step back and remind yourself why you chose this path in the first place. This is something your passionate about, something you’re skilled at, and something that, deep down, you enjoy. Yes, there will be challenges, but taking a moment to reflect on what drew you to your degree can be incredibly motivating.

If you’re like me, my love for my degree (English) comes from a deep appreciation for books and storytelling. But for others, it might be the intellectual challenge, the career opportunities, or the broader knowledge it brings. Whatever your reason, keeping that in mind can help reignite your enthusiasm. Practising gratitude while studying and acknowledging the privilege of learning and the doors this degree may open can be a powerful way to stay motivated and give your best in semester two.

If you’re struggling to keep your momentum, I hope these five simple but effective tips will help you to stay motivated, maintain balance, and actually enjoy the second half of the academic year. The main thing to remember is to try your best, look after yourself and enjoy this wonderful sunny term with your friends!