Just Say No!

However well you plan your time or prioritise your tasks, you may still find that you have too much to do. If this is the case, it's time to decide what you can cut out.

This may mean not always agreeing to co-ordinate group projects, or handing over the organisation of an event to someone else. You might have to attend football training twice a week instead of three times, or cut out one of your exercise classes. You could lower your housework standards, or cook simpler meals.

The important thing is to remember that these are temporary measures - you only have a short time at university, you've worked hard to get here and so you deserve to have enough time to achieve your best.

Remember:

Remember
No-one will think you're a bad person if you don't always say yes to invitations or requests, especially if you're honest about why. The stress caused by overloading yourself will impact on the people around you. Being asked to do someone a favour is proof in itself that you're considered capable - you don't need to take on more to cement that proof.

Do be polite, but don't go in for lengthy justifications and excuses as that gives the opportunity for counter-arguments. Explain that you need to focus on studying at present, but that in the holidays, or after exams, you'll be happy to help wherever you can.