15 Feb 2023 | 3 mins
Overview
  • Finding the motivation to get started on that assignment can feel like more effort than it's worth. 
  • Don't let procrastination hold you back from doing your very best at uni.
  • Here are the three reasons starting that assignment now will help your future self.

I'm sure I'm not alone in telling myself that this semester will be my best semester yet. This time I will study every night. This semester I will start my assignments as soon as I get them. This semester I will not fall behind with my readings. 

But let's be real, from week four onwards it's easy to forget about studying.

This semester really will be different though because here are the three reasons you're going to start that assignment now!

1. Editing time

Editing is an absolute killer at uni. It feels like such an arduous task, which can be true, but it is so essential for turning a good piece of work into an excellent piece of work.

When you start an assignment the day before it's due it can be so easy to just write the first thought that comes to mind, and submit it as it is.

By starting your assignment now you are giving yourself the opportunity to write something and leave it for a few days. Then you can come back to it with fresh eyes, and a few degrees of separation, and edit the life out of it!

2. Spread out your time

We all know those study hacks which involve planning a few weeks to a month ahead of time. 

If you start that assignment now you have the chance to actually try out some of these great hacks!

The one I've always wanted to try is the 2,3,5,7 day hack. 

First you write down the day your assignment is due as a study day. Then go to the day before it's due and mark that as a study day, as well. Then go back three days before that and mark another study day and keep doing that but increasing the gaps to five days and then seven days. 

By having a guaranteed day to study you can spread out the workload and avoid being slammed the day your assignment is due. 

@youantwerp Study tip: 2 3 5 7 method! #planning #howtoplan #plan #school #uni #university #exam #exams #examseason #examszn #deblok #plannen #2357method #notion #studytok #studytips #studyhacks #uantwerpen #youantwerp ♬ B.O.T.A. (Baddest Of Them All) - Eliza Rose & Interplanetary Criminal

3. Less stressing

Starting your work today is a great way to decrease the stress of an assignment. 

I always do my worst stressing when the assignment is due and I haven't done anything, despite having all the time in the world to do it.

Give yourself a break by spreading out your workload. Give yourself the opportunity to work smarter not harder. Sometimes the worst mistakes in assignments happen purely because you've rushed through something and not had the chance to do your best.

So get out there and combat that procrastination now!