Organisation in and chaos out: Five ways to get into a productive routine post Freshers’

Bristol Uni is back in full swing with Woodland Road busier than Piccadilly Circus, bare shelves at Clifton Down Sainsbury’s and queues out the door just to be met with a bitterly disappointing pint at Steam. Amongst all the chaos of Freshers;, it can be tricky to remember that we have degrees to earn, so we are here to help you settle into uni life while still enjoying night outs too.

1. Meals and food prep

Yes, the £5 Domino’s deal is absolutely worth it and is an essential part of freshers. However, let’s not let a cheeky Domino’s become a food group in our uni diet. From personal experience, it is easy to slip into lazy eating habits as we are focusing on so many things when back at uni. Although there is nothing wrong with treating ourselves, eating well helps us stay healthy and energised, ready to tackle the day.

This may seem obvious, but make sure you’re eating fruit and veg (they are not expensive) and taking vitamins – Beroccas have always been a uni essential of mine. The time of when you eat is also super important, make sure you have a big dinner before going out – there is nothing worse than not leaving enough time to eat a proper meal, get ready and pre.

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One tip I have is meal planning with a housemate or on your own. On Sunday night, write down what you are going to eat for dinner each night next week and get all the ingredients from your list on Monday. TikTok is a great place to find new recipes that are budget-friendly too. By planning your meals, you’ll not only save money but will save time and stress, helping you avoid consuming oven pizzas and pesto pasta three times a week (we’ve all been there).

2. It is okay to miss a night out

Uni can be a super intense environment with little downtime, so take time out when you need it. You should never be made to feel guilty or peer-pressured to go out by your friends or flatmates. Of course, it is important to make an effort with these people and socialise, but it does not have to be every night.

As an alternative, you could suggest a movie night or a games night which allows you to have fun with each other without a banging headache and hangxiety the next morning. Going out adds up, so a couple of nights in allows you to recharge your mind and bank account.

However, let’s not become recluses and never leave the flat. It is all about balance which can be hard to find in the first few weeks of uni. In first year, I found myself going out around four times a week, two nights clubbing and two pub nights. This was right for me as an extrovert but everyone is different and you must listen to yourself and your liver. And if you get severe fomo like myself, just remember that your presence will be missed if you stay in and therefore everyone will become obsessed with you when you are out (this is definitely not a delusional way of thinking).

3. Go to your seminars and lectures (even if you haven’t done the prep)

Not to sound super neeky, but going to uni is so important. Think about how much we are paying to be here, it is an absolute waste to not attend. Also, going to lectures and seminars is a great way to make friends on your course. Once you’re out of the house and on campus you are also more likely to go to the library and get your prep done.

Yes, lectures are recorded but seminars aren’t, and I find seminars the most useful in terms of learning. Another tip would be making the most of your lecturer’s office hours. One-to-ones with your lecturers are invaluable and so easy to set up. Even if you don’t have any specific questions, they can help to get you thinking about new ideas and ways to approach essays that you wouldn’t have thought about on your own.

Uni is expensive, so use it to the max! There is so much on offer which we do often forget.

4. Exercise / Reconnecting with nature

Yes, the uni gym is a terrifying place full of jumpscares but don’t let that put you off. Go with a friend and plan your workout beforehand so you are on a mission and are not walking around with no idea what to do next.

If the gym isn’t your scene (so valid) there is nothing better than a walk to Clifton Village and the Suspension Bridge. It is really important to get fresh air, even if you just go on a quick 20-minute walk. If you live in Stoke Bishop, walk to uni once a week instead of getting the U1. This may seem like a long walk but it really isn’t that bad as it’s downhill and walking across the downs is lovely and will wake you up for the day.

Check out the sports societies too, there are lots of friendly, relaxed groups which will get you moving without the additional stress of competition. Also, check out the free swim sessions at the SU if you enjoy swimming lengths, this is great exercise and the water can be really therapeutic.

5. Read before bed

Yes, I am an English student so this is the norm for me, but reading before bed is honestly such a good idea. It helps you sleep, relaxes you after a probably overstimulating day and is a really healthy habit to get into. I’m not telling you to read Oscar Wilde or a Shakespeare play, grab yourself a trashy romance novel or murder mystery and you’re good to go.

There are so many amazing books to read that are super easy and do not require a lot of brain power. Go to the bookshop on Park Street and give it a go. Obviously, reading before bed is not an option if you’ve been out but it is the best Sunday night activity (I am defo biased).

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• Interested in joining us? How to become a new writer for The Bristol Tab
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• Bristol the DnB capital of the country: Increasing represention in Bristol’s DnB scene