Motivating yourself to Start the Reading

Grace Bishop 21 September 2021

Images courtesy of Unsplash (Seven Shooter)

As Fresher’s Week draws to an end, the dreaded pile of reading becomes more and more concerning. Welcome Week has maybe been a little too welcoming; with several unknown bruises and a headache lasting days. Although, dragging yourself from the comfort of your bed to an uncomfortable desk chair might seem like the most difficult task to achieve, but hang tight! Hopefully this article will provide some help in making this appear, a little more doable.

Swap the Heels for Slippers: I Imagine after countless nights out, your feet are most likely battered and bruised. With Fresher’s flu looming, a pyjama day offers the perfect solution! Making yourself as comfortable as possible can help you remain focused for longer and with the typical English weather there’s nothing more inviting than fleece joggers. So grab your cosiest jumper and a warm blanket - you’re all set.

Boil the Kettle: Are you a tea or coffee person? Well, whatever your drink of choice - make sure you have plenty stocked for when you finally decide to get your head down. Whether it be green tea or a feel good hot chocolate with extra cream - it remains a vital aspect of working from home. Seminars in lockdown will have you drinking multiple per hour.

Stock up the Snack cupboard: Similar to the hot drink, a little selection of sweet treats is essential to maintain focus (plus its a great excuse to leave your desk). Nothing beats a biscuit and a hot cup of tea while you’re combing through endless pages of the module reader.

Images courtesy of Unsplash (Green Chameleon)

Trust Yourself: Although initially the reading seems impossible… just trust yourself. You didn’t get to University without hard work so believe in yourself. If you are a little unsure, don’t fear- this may be Fresher’s nerves (everyone has them). My advice? Just throw yourself into it, once people discuss the material in a seminar you’ll eventually come out of your shell and begin to understand! Although the lecturers will always offer their help if you are stuck.

Grab some Stationary: You don’t need every single colour of highlighter or the most expensive pukka pad, just buy a cheap selection of stationary - a massively helpful addition when in seminars. Highlighters are particularly useful for quotations (just make sure you don’t colour the whole page in - not everything is important enough to highlight).

Finally, don’t worry too much. Although this is your first seminar and you’ll want to make a good impression, make sure you don’t stress about the reading too much. First year eases you in gradually and before you know it you’ll understand it.