Deadline season is here. And no, you’re not the only one wondering how it’s already November and why your to-do list looks like a plot twist. Campus right now? It's looking like everyone has a coffee in hand, carrying heavy backpacks that are genuinely bursting at the seams, all feeling like they need another reading week to catch up on the work they needed to do during reading week.
If you’re feeling behind or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. So many people are juggling essays, group projects, revision ahead of exams, part-time work… and still trying to sleep occasionally. Here’s your reminder: you don’t need to be productive every second to be doing your best. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is take a break.
Sure, uni operates on its own totally chaotic timescale. 16:00 somehow feels like 20:00, 14:00 feels like 22:00, and 09:00 will always, always feel like 09:00 (painfully so). At this point in the term, it can feel like you need to step away from uni just to catch up on uni.
Here's the thing: managing stress is the new power move. Your laptop with 37 tabs is already working overtime, so give your brain the break it deserves.
Luckily, you can always rely on us to have your back. We know how intense this season can get, which is why we’re making space for you to pause without pressure, plans, or sign-ups. Pop into a drop-in session, curl up in one of our cosy spots on campus, or join a low-commitment activity whenever you need a breather. Stay for five minutes or an hour. Do whatever works for you.
Taking care of yourself isn’t something you have to earn. It's part of succeeding here, and part of that success is being involved in life beyond your lectures. Your time at UCL isn’t just about essays and exams... it’s about learning how to thrive, in every sense. And we're here to make sure you can do that, in ways that fit your pace, while still prioritising your studies.
We asked you across Instagram Stories what your "top survival study tips" are right now. What's clear is that everyone has their own way of staying sane during crunch time. Here’s what students across campus are doing:
Regular society socials
Socials are a non-negotiable for many in the calendar. Having something, even if it's just one weekly society event to look forward to is key for motivation. It's clear that being part of Students' Union societies is not just fun, it’s a vital part of thriving at UCL. Suggestions included heading to a karaoke night, taking a dance class, Check out the What's On Calendar to find your next event.
Romanticising the small things
Even in the middle of the busiest weeks, giving yourself something to look forward to every day can make a big difference: a favourite snack, a chapter of a book you’re enjoying, a hot drink from your go-to café, or a nice dinner to look forward to. The idea is to create small, predictable rewards for yourself amid the chaos of deadlines. These tiny treats act as mini reset points, helping your brain recharge and making study sessions feel more manageable. Over time, these small moments of self-care add up, keeping your energy levels steadier and your stress levels lower. It's a reminder that taking care of yourself matters just as much as ticking off tasks on your to-do list.
Switching up space
A change of scenery can renew your focus or simply give your mind a breather. Check out Phineas for a quiet study spot (it has a pool table, darts, and bean bags for when you need a break). George Farha Café is also trialing quiet hours this term. On Wednesday and Friday mornings from 09:00 - 11:00, music is turned off and TVs are muted to create a quieter environment. Grab a coffee or a snack to refuel. Just 10 minutes somewhere new can help you breathe again. Check out our list of alternative study spots and guide to study spaces on campus.
Making the most of the Students' Union
The Students' Union has so many opportunities to drop into wholesome activities without pressure or commitment (no memberships needed) Arts Unlocked, Big Help Out, Jokes Aside, Discover London trips, heading to a cafe late session, or speedfriending, and lots of wholesome activities over at UCL East - there's a lot happening in the background that's open to everyone. These activities are a great way to take a break, meet people, and enjoy a moment of calm during the busy term.
Breaking work into tasks, not hours
Break work into tasks, not hours. Instead of staring at the clock and feeling pressured to “study for three hours straight,” try breaking your workload into manageable tasks. For example, rather than allocating 60 minutes to “revision,” make a list of specific things you want to achieve: Read and annotate one article. Write 200 words of your essay per day. Create a set of flashcards for one topic. Focusing on completing individual tasks gives a clearer sense of progress and makes your study sessions feel achievable.
Heading to the gym
Moving your body is one of the quickest ways to clear your head. When you’re deep in deadlines, your brain can feel like it’s stuck in a loop. A good workout gets your blood flowing, releases endorphins, and gives your mind the space it needs to reset. Even a short 20–30 minute session can reduce stress and anxiety, boost your focus, improve mood and energy levels, and give you sense of accomplishment outside of studying. Check out TeamUCL memberships or if you're looking for something low-commitment, Project Active offers Weekly Classes, Play and Play sessions, and Learn-to... sessions. You can also check out TeamUCL Leagues (some teams are still open for registration if you're looking to add something regular into your routine).
You can even mix in tiny rewards after each task like having a cup of tea, taking a short walk, or a few minutes scrolling your playlist to keep motivation up without adding stress.
This approach also makes it easier to fit study around your life rather than trying to bend your life around rigid study blocks. It’s a simple way to feel productive while protecting your wellbeing, a true power move during deadline season.
Be kind to yourself - you're doing great
It’s easy to focus on everything that hasn’t been done yet, but remember: you’re doing enough. Some days will be productive, some days less so, and while those days are very stressful - it's completely normal. Take a moment to pause, acknowledge what you’ve achieved, and give yourself credit for turning up and trying your best. Even small steps count, and progress doesn’t always look dramatic. Remember, progress isn’t always a big leap. Sometimes it’s making it through one page, one task, or one short break without feeling guilty.
Get Support
- If you're struggling, reaching out for help is key - SSW's team of expert wellbeing, disability and mental health staff provide a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to discuss any issues that may be affecting your ability to study. All of our support services are free of charge and open to UCL students of all levels. Find support here.