Here are 10 ways to be an academic weapon this semester at King’s

With the cold months upon us, the nights getting darker and the reading stacking up, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and already behind with uni work. As we approach October, and Freshers’ Week has worn off, it’s already feeling less like uni and a little bit more like university.

But it’s not all bad. Now is the time for you to reclaim your academic weapon status from the days doing your A-Levels and get back that pre-summer motivation, whilst you still can.

So, here are 10 tips to see you through this semester with flying colours!

1. Don’t start skipping lectures/seminars already

Though it’s tempting to “just catch up later”, let’s be honest, you just won’t. Although bed rotting after a heavy sports night is tempting, getting out of bed and to every lecture and seminar will help beat hangover guilt and make you feel accomplished. This may be controversial but even if you have done none of the reading it’s still beneficial to go to lectures and seminars, learning via osmosis is better than not learning at all. 

For those of you who have a rare but deadly post-sports night Thursday 9am, I’m praying for you! 

2. Find a routine that works for you

Having a solid routine at university not only helps with homesickness in first year but also enables you to establish a studying regime that works for you.

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You might not be able to change that 9am or your amount of contact hours but it is possible to somewhat create a routine that is the right fit. Find the times of the day that you’re able to focus the most, look at your uni timetable and arrange the best time you can go to the gym, library etc.

Top tip: You can transfer your uni timetable onto your timetable app via the King’s App!

3. Make use of study spaces in London

Stop putting up with noisy, dark and depressing study spaces and look elsewhere. There are so many amazing spaces in London: The British Library, Senate House, Maughan Library, Foyle’s, Southbank Centre, as well as many coffee shops (my personal favourite being Crol & Co).  

Explore your options now, before the workload gets too heavy, so you don’t find yourself under the fluorescent lighting of Guy’s Library 24/7 this exam season.

4. Study with friends and hold each other accountable!

This doesn’t mean having a yap session, this means finding a course mate or friend who you can comfortably sit in silence with and crack on with the task at hand.

Tell each other your goals, what you want to get done over the next however many hours, and stick to it.

This is also great if you need someone to proofread your essay or talk things through aloud. Don’t isolate yourself, support systems are so important at uni, never feel like you are swimming alone in work.

5. Plan rewards systems 

Treat yourself to a sweet treat, or binge-watch your favourite TV show for an evening.

It’s not about quantity of studying but quality, and you can’t be an academic weapon if you’re exhausted and drained. Have that Blank Street Banana Bread Matcha. Give yourself motivation and keep up morale, there’s nothing more demotivating than being in a foul mood.

6. Meal prep for uni 

Now, this is easier said than done. Although meal-prepping is a laborious task, in the long-term you will be so grateful you did it. When deadlines are stacking up, you don’t want to be hunched over the stove for an hour or spending your whole student loan on takeaways.

The thought of spending £5 on a sandwich from Pret is enough to make anyone want to go home rather than stay at the library. 

7. Study snacks

Back to the sweet treats.

Snacks are your best friend and (probably) scientifically proven to help brain power. You can’t be an academic weapon if you’re hungry.

My favourite study snack right now is Sour Patch Kids, if you’re curious. 

8. Set goals

To-do lists are a fab way to stay ahead of the game and channel your true inner academic weapon. They’ll keep you focused, on target and who doesn’t find crossing tasks off lists the most satisfying thing ever.

Your brain has nothing on Apple Reminders and a good old list, so stop pretending you’ll remember to do that niche bit of reading or the date to apply to that internship by.

9. Make use of your tutors

Older generations have probably already told you this, I hate to say it but they are right. Your tutors are there to help you – make use of them.

If you don’t know why you can’t get past a 2:1, your tutor will be able to provide support and advice. They’ve done this so many times, trust me, don’t be embarrassed to drop by their office.

10. Start treating uni as a nine to five 

I’m not talking to you silly freshers who should be enjoying all that uni has to offer. But if you’re a third year realising you need to turn things around and become an academic weapon, stop treating uni as a quick one hour lecture but as a whole day. You’ll be in the world of work soon so you may as well ease your way in.

Recommended articles by this author:

• Six things you should never do as a student at King’s College London
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• Attention to all freshers: This is how to survive your first semester at King’s College