24 Hour Library: How Not To Leave Things To The Last Minute
By a previous Warwick student
The Library is 24/7 but you don’t need to be. Sometimes it’s inevitable that we end up leaving things to the last minute, but it’s better if that doesn’t happen all the time. So here’s one students’ best advice on how to avoid too many all-nighters and beat the procrastination bug!
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. It’s an important life lesson, but one that’s hard to stick by; especially when it comes to studying. With all the pressures on your time, it’s understandably quite tempting to put your studies off… until you suddenly realise you have an essay to write, a group presentation to prepare, four articles to read, and it all needs to be done by noon tomorrow. Suddenly, there’s nothing for it but the all-nighter.
"...look at implementing some organisational tools..."
As a fellow adrenaline junkie/serial procrastinator, I understand the thrill of the late-night work session. Doing things last minute generates an adrenaline high, and research suggests that procrastinators might actually benefit from this sense of competing against the clock. That said, getting started earlier means you have more time to think deeply, check for errors and improve your drafts. The results are (usually) better.
So how do you get a grip on your time?
Write the ultimate to-do list
Sometimes the biggest obstacle is just getting started. It can seem overwhelming! Try writing a to-do list that captures everything, no matter how big or small, related both to your work and your personal life. Getting it all written down means your brain doesn’t need to exhaust itself trying to remember everything.
"It's impossible to be productive 24 hours a day."
Identify your priorities
Not everything needs to be done right now. Review your list and note any deadlines. What are your priorities? It can be useful using Stephen Covey’s Urgent vs Important matrix to figure out what to focus on first.
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Plan everything in advance
Now that you’ve worked out what to focus on, think about how long each task will take. A good rule of thumb is to then double that! It can be helpful to map out a schedule around your calendar. Colour-coding your classes, time with friends, sports events as well as your study time will allow you to visualise where your time is going.
Stick to the plan!
The important (and difficult) bit is then sticking to the plan. Personally, I find it easier to stick to my study schedule if I have also scheduled in time with friends or time to just flop and do nothing.
It’s impossible to be productive 24 hours a day. It might be that you need to adjust your plan – there’s no point planning to revise at 9am if you work better late at night, and alternatively if you find you just want to go to relax in the evening, then maybe think about how you could work in some study time during the day.
Study buddy
It can be hard to motivate yourself when studying alone. Why not try working with friends? On the other hand, if your friends are likely to distract you while you work, plan a night out as a post-study reward.
"Try writing a to-do list that captures everything..."
Try out some time management systems
Some people just work better at the last minute. But if you find it stressful to live life at the eleventh hour, have a look at implementing some organisational tools. Browse the Library’s Productivity Tools to help find the best app or software to help you stay organised and boost productivity.
Fundamentally, all-nighters aren’t effective if you’re pulling them all the time. The Library is here if you need to pull one - but you’re likely to feel less stressed and more in control if you avoid last minute work. Take it from an expert!
Have you seen these other studying tips and tricks?
Finding the Sweet Spot: Balancing Uni Social Life and Studies Without Losing Your Mind
By Library Student Partner, Shuangting Chen
University is often described as “the best time of your life”, and while that can mean exciting lectures, career opportunities, and academic discovery, let’s be honest… it also means late-night chats, spontaneous day trips, society events, and yes, dancing to questionable playlists at the SU. But how do you enjoy the social side of university without your studies quietly slipping into a state of chaos? Shuangting shares how she manages!
Top Tips for Finding Students to Study With at University
By Library Student Partner, Juanmo Xu
Studying at university can sometimes feel like a solo mission—but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re preparing for exams, tackling a dissertation, or just trying to stay motivated, having study partners can make a huge difference. Here are some top tips from Juanmo for finding (and keeping!) the right people to study with.
How to Keep a Good Work/Life Balance at University
By Library Student Partner, Laura van Diesen
Many students say that when they try to prioritize their life and wellbeing, it feels like work is being sacrificed, and vice-versa. This is the challenge of a work/life balance: it is a seesaw that you continuously have to adjust. This continuous adjustment is key to its maintenance, however. It is challenging to reach a good balance without checking in with yourself and seeing what is and isn’t working. Here are some of Laura’s tips on making sure you have time for both leisure and study at university.
Study Tips for Neurodivergent Students
By Library Student Partner, Laura van Diesen
Studying can be a daunting task for all students, but those of us who are neurodivergent or have Specific Learning Differences often face more barriers to studying both independently and in the Library. Here is a list of tips from Laura to make studying adaptable and a little less overwhelming. The decision tree can be used as a starting point for studying in the Library, as it offers a visual guide to our different study spaces tailored towards neurodiverse students.
How to Handle the Transition of International Study to University Study
By Library Student Partner, Shuangting Chen
Moving to a new country to study is not just about switching classrooms; it’s about switching entire systems of thinking, speaking, learning, and sometimes, even eating dinner at 5:30 p.m.
Fortunately, you’re not alone and Shuangting is here to share their tips on how to handle the transition.
Productivity Hacks for All Students
By Library Student Partner, Sophie Morris
Maintaining productivity is easier said than done. We all have our productive and unproductive days. But how do we survive University with all of it’s deadlines when we’re just not in the right mood to get anything done? Here are some of Sophie’s hacks to help weather the unproductive days.
Balancing Book and Bookings: Tips for Working Part-Time While Studying Full Time
By Library Student Partner, Shuangting Chen
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re either thinking about taking on a part-time job during university or you’ve already jumped in and are now juggling timetables and timesheets. First of all – go you. Managing both is no small feat, and from one student to another, I can tell you: it’s absolutely doable with the right mindset, a bit of planning, and a good sense of humour. Shuangting is here to share her tips on how to manage it all.
Keeping Momentum as a PG in the Summer Vacation Period
By Library Student Partner, Juanmo Xu
Let’s face it - summer is strange as a postgrad. The undergrads have packed up and left, campus events have slowed down, and the pace around you might feel more like a Sunday afternoon than a working week. But for postgraduates, it’s not a break. Whether you’re a PGT wrestling with your dissertation or a PGR continuing your research (unless you’re on well-earned annual leave!), the work doesn’t stop - though the structure might. Here’s Juanmo Xu’s tips for keeping up the momentum in the summer.
Tips for Studying in the Heat
By Library Student Partner, Juanmo Xu
Summer at Warwick can surprise you. One week it’s pouring. The next, you’re melting over your laptop, trying to revise or write while your brain slowly turns to soup. Whether you’re based on campus or studying back home, here are some tips Juanmo has found helpful for actually getting work done in hot weather—without wilting in the process.
24-Hour Library: How Not To Leave Things to the Last Minute
By a previous Warwick student
The Library is 24/7 but you don’t need to be. Sometimes it’s inevitable that we end up leaving things to the last minute, but it’s better if that doesn’t happen all the time. So here’s one students’ best advice on how to avoid too many all-nighters and beat the procrastination bug!