07 May 2019

Let’s be real – studying isn't particularly fun. Being chained to your desk, reading over notes and practising questions can be emotionally and mentally draining. Especially if you’re someone who hates studying (like most of us).

So, for all my fellow mates who hate studying, here are five productive things you could be doing instead.

1. Following your passion

Spending time on your favourite hobby, working hard, and enjoying yourself is far more rewarding than spending hours grinding out boring assignments or studying for pointless exams.

Our passions are what make us unique and interesting people; they give our lives meaning. While you’ll probably regret spending hours on your phone or memorising Biology notes that the exam didn't even ask about, you definitely won’t regret the time you spent on something you genuinely care about.

2. Working (and getting work experience)

While it’s true that you can work and study at the same time, it could be worth picking up a few extra shifts each week. Working gives you a chance to socialise, build up your resume, and earn money, which will help you so much when you’re out of school. I’ve made some amazing friends through work and the experience really helped me grow up and gain confidence. Bonus points if you can find work experience in something you’re passionate about.

3. Volunteering

On that note, volunteering can give you a chance to pursue your dreams or just help out in the local community. In comparison with the slow, tiring grind of studying, volunteering lets you feel like you’re contributing to someone that matters, making the world a better place. So, volunteer at your local animal shelter, inquire at that business you’re interested in, or even just offer to help your elderly neighbour mow their lawn. 

4. Getting an apprenticeship (or any other qualification)

Want to earn money before all your friends, skip years of uni, while also not having to worry about getting the best school grades? With an apprenticeship, you’ll be qualified and enter the workforce early, earning money and putting yourself ahead of the crowd. Plus, if you want to go to uni but you’re unsure what you’d like to do, an apprenticeship will give you the time to figure out where your priorities lie.

5. Spend time with your friends and family

Our lives are short, and if we work too hard we miss all the fun. The truth is that study is only important if you find it important and nobody else can decide that for you.

What’s far more important than getting good grades is being happy right now and spending time with those important to you. They won’t be around forever, and neither will you, so don’t waste your life trying to be the perfect student. You might even find that when you let go of all the pressures you’ve put on yourself, you actually become a happier person, and end up doing way better than you thought possible.

By Isaac Irons