The Importance of a Consistent Routine During First-Year University

Written by Julian Lewis, Publications Coordinator First year at university can be a physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging experience. It is important to go easy on yourself and give yourself some grace as you navigate it. Whether you are local to your university, from across the country, or across the world, university can feel daunting. I wanted to share with you how a consistent routine and structure helped me, what I wished I knew before starting, and what got me through the year. 

It is completely normal to feel intimidated at the beginning of your university journey. Living independently, facing academic pressures, entering new social environments and not having your parents around to say, “Go do your homework” can feel overwhelming. While pushing yourself out of your comfort zone can be a good thing, it is just as important to remember that you are doing enough. If you need some extra time alone, or want to call your family for a bit longer, that is okay. Not everything will go perfectly, and it is important to enjoy the highs, but also allow yourself to sit through the lows. Just showing up is enough. 

Once you have settled into your new dorm room, it is helpful to build a routine that works for you. Although you may sometimes have to change up your schedule (during exam season, or on days when you need to rest), having a general routine is incredibly beneficial. Having a consistent routine is proven to reduce anxiety and boost productivity. It may take some trial and error to figure out what works for you, but here are a few things I incorporated into my daily routine that supported my success: 

Waking up at approximately the same time every day. This simple change has major health benefits, improves sleep quality, and brings a sense of continuity to your day. Find something that gets you excited in the morning before reaching for your phone (listen to some music, stretch or journal). 

Eating three meals a day at roughly the same time. Your class schedule might shift things around, but I found it helpful to plan my meals in advance and structure my day around them. No one is telling you when or what to eat. Make healthy choices and take advantage of the different places around campus! 

Find your optimal study time and stick to it. I figured out that I study best between 9am - 12:00pm and that is the time window I use to get ahead on work. Additionally, switch up your study spots. You do not have to study solely at the library. There are lots of great cafes in Kingston! 

Make time to workout or get daily movement. It does not have to be an intense workout. Going for a stroll along the pier and clearing your head can make studying and socializing easier.  

Every night before bed, write down your to-do list for the next day. This helped me feel more relaxed, and prevented me from feeling overwhelmed with tasks. Every morning, I would wake up knowing exactly what was on task for the day. 

These small habits made my year more manageable. It is okay not to have everything figured out right at the start. Your routine will keep adapting to suit your needs. And do not feel guilty for needing a break or even skipping your routine one day. My overall message is that small consistent habits can lead to big changes.