LIFESTYLE | FINAL COUNTDOWN

It's the final month of student life for me and it's all kicked off!

On Wednesday I handed in my hefty dissertation and now I am working towards my final essay and exam of the semester.

I've been busy baking in the Inkwell kitchen, over the last few weeks these beauties have been baked:

Toffee, Pecan and Banana Loaf

Orange and Poppyseed Cake with Chocolate Drizzle and Homemade Candy Peel

Raspberry Bakewell Cake (only got an Instagram pic - sorry!)

I've also started working in the kitchens at Opposite Cafe in Leeds - renound for it's superb coffee and amazing food with an always lively and buzzing atmosphere. I'm loving it. I am however very busy but still managing to fit in a good work/uni/life/playtime balance so GO ME.

Some highlights of "playtime" over the past few weeks have been...

#1   Losing my Brewdog Leeds virginity!

#2   Going to the preview for the new exhibition "Feast" at the Leeds Gallery and getting to try out the incredible Whisky Tornado creation by Bompas and Parr.

#3   Feeling 10 again and going bowling - dodgy dj, cheap drinks and £1.50 games... What could be better?

#4   Accidentally ending up at the new Jewish Artists in Yorkshire exhibition at the Stanley and Audrey Burton Gallery in the University of Leeds Parkinson building on my library break... free wine and a live klezmer band!

#5   Post-dissertation drinks and buffet. More free wine...

ORGANISATION | FINAL SEMESTER (EVER!)

And so it begins... albeit a day late due to the snow but I'm back into work mode and ready to DO THIS.

I've got my hefty timetable with a ridiculous four contact hours at university a week with a delightful minimum of 30 hours independent study time per week. I've also included essential cat naps.

If you find where my life has gone can you point it back in my direction please? Thanks.

Hi library (aka NEW BEST FRIEND).

If you would like your own handy 8am-8pm timetable for Monday to Sunday then feel free to download your  very own version for free HERE.

You can download it and fill it in on a computer and then print it off or you can print off blank copies and choose to fill them in by hand.

My TOP TIPS for a SUCCESSFUL TIMETABLE:

1.  When making a timetable it is important to remember that it can be as loose or as rigid as you feel it needs to be.

2.  Include your university contact hours, appointments and personal commitments.

3.  Allow time for enough play alongside work, but realistically schedule in time for independent learning (aim for at least 2 hours a day if possible).

4.   Have a copy of your timetable saved on your laptop, that way you can update it on a weekly basis with any new personal commitments or appointments that may arise). 

5.  Set yourself personal goals and deadlines to keep yourself motivated and more organised with your workload. If you struggle with time-keeping and getting all your work done last minute then this can be a life-saver.

6.  Allow for procrastination time. If you know you are going to want to check facebook, watch TV, make a cup of tea or like me, nap, then allow for this in your timetable. If you do, that way you account for it and are less likely to feel guilty for doing that. Schedule your workload to fit around distractions, it is only normal.

If this is up for your street and you'd like to find out more ideas on how to keep on top of work then check out my article for the Leeds Student 'Get Organised: How to Have a Sussed Semester' HERE.