5 tips for successfully juggling work, university and personal commitments

Bachelor of Business graduate Zehra Rabbani successfully juggled work, life and study when she returned to university as a mature-age student.

Here are her five tips for success:

1. Organisation is key!

If I wasn’t organised, I would have failed miserably, both at work and in my studies. My best organisational tool was my calendar, which I synched across my devices. I allocated time for work, class, gym, due dates and specifics times for assignments and study. This kept me on track each week.

Before leaving work, I always wrote a list of to-dos for the next day. That way, I could get to work and know what I had to do. I did the same with my studies – I always liked to keep track of where my assignments were at and what was coming up.

2. Know your limitations

There is a saying goes: ‘You can do anything but not everything’. It’s especially true when trying to find a balance between work and university life.

At Griffith, you have the option to take a lighter study load in trimester 1 and 2 and then make up the subjects in trimester three. That was perfect for me, because work slowed down over the Christmas and New Year period.

Studying some subject online also allowed me to balance my competing priorities. My major point is this: you don’t want to burn yourself out before you graduate – do what works for you!

3. Be upfront with your employers

It a good idea to let your employer know that you are going back to university. I would keep my manager updated on my studies and let them know when I had an exam or assignment coming up.

4. Seek help with your assignments and exam times

Griffith offers a lot of support for your assignments and exams (such as PASS classes). Be sure to use these resources. Your lecturers and tutors are always there to help you. Make sure you book an appointment to meet with them during consultation times. Their advice is invaluable!

5. Grow a support network

Whether it’s your family or friends, it’s important to have a support network around you while at university. You will need both emotional and practical support. It’s a great idea to form a study group at the beginning of the trimester. PASS sessions can help you do that.

By Zehra Rabbani