When I entered my first year of university, I found that creating a balance between my studies and my personal life was not always easy. I found myself spending weekends and evenings at my desk studying, reviewing lectures, or completing readings. Throughout my time in university, I have been working a part-time job, keeping up with family obligations, and maintaining varying roles in clubs. I found that I did not have much time with those I cared about, and often found myself missing them. After the initial shock of starting university wore off, I was able to find approaches to university that gave me more freedom in my life for family, friends, and other things I cared about.
As I enter my final year, I have found a way to survive York University that does not compromise my personal time.
Time Management
My first survival tool is ensuring that I manage my time. By making sure all my work is completed early, I am able to give myself time back. I plan my day to complete work within a certain timeframe which ensures that I still have time to destress at the end of every night. One strategy that has helped me is keeping a list of all upcoming due dates and exam dates. By keeping a list of important deadlines, I have been able to complete assignments before the due date without feeling overwhelmed and compromising my personal life.
Completing Summer Classes
Taking summer classes has allowed me to have a reduced course load during the academic year. Summer classes took up only a few hours a week between May and August. However, I saw a drastic reduction in the amount of time I was studying during the fall and winter semesters. Not only was I able to see friends, I even improved my grades in other courses! Talk about double win. For the last 3 years, I have taken online classes in the S1 term to fill my outside of major degree requirements. I found these classes on the York University Courses website. With a feature that shows just online classes, I did not have to commute to campus for a single summer class either!
Limiting Days on Campus
I found that taking all my classes within 2 to 3 days helped me have more time to myself. When I was on campus, time spent between classes or at night was to complete coursework. Although my days on campus were often packed and hectic, it was always refreshing to have a few days off. I could dedicate this time to working part-time or hanging out with my friends! My commute to campus one way is over an hour, so by spending only a few days on campus, I can save myself a couple hours, and even get some additional days to sleep in. I also use this as an opportunity to make my days on campus dedicated ‘school’ days, where I would focus exclusively on school and any associated work.
Planning Ahead
I find that making plans with my friends ahead of time allows me to finish my work, so I can enjoy that time without stress. It allows me to understand what work I need to prioritize to get done before I see them! In the beginning of each semester, I like to go through my syllabi and keep a list of all due dates and assignments next to my personal desk. For me, this is a line of sticky notes stuck on the wall of my desk at eye level. This way, I can track the amount of time needed to complete assignments before I do them, and work on them in advance.
Organization
Keeping a clear schedule of classes, study blocks, and work shifts has given me more free time. Following this schedule has introduced more structure, allowing me to complete work in a timely manner. During my first year, I did not have a schedule. This lack of structure meant that I was falling behind in my work. During my first exam season, this resulted in me pulling an all-nighter, and I almost missed my exam when I overslept! Keeping a list of deadlines allows me to plan. Organization allows me to understand when I need to go to school first, which in return gives me the flexibility to see my friends and relax. We often grab a meal, or just hang out in someone's house!
My name is Pirabahari Sivakumaran. I am a fourth-year student in political science, under the faculty of LA&PS, and I currently work under the dean's office as a Student Engagement assistant for the faculty of LA&PS under Vanier College. In my free time, I enjoy baking and cooking, and I love experimenting with new recipes and techniques and sharing my food!
Through my experience as both a student and a work/study at York University, I have had the pleasure of meeting all kinds of people and have enjoyed connecting with the community. I am hoping to use this experience to continue work with communities in a new role once I finish school!
— Pirabahari Sivakumaran
