Heading off to university, the initial stretch can feel like a whirlwind of activities.
Navigating through a maze of new classes and a packed social calendar, it’s a challenge to snatch a moment of peace.
With a full plate, skimping on sleep might seem like the only option to keep up.
Yet, if you’re aiming for a smooth start at uni, maintaining a solid sleep routine is non-negotiable for staying sharp.
We’ve compiled a quintet of strategies to help you juggle sleep and student life, ensuring you flourish in this next chapter.
Embrace a consistent sleep pattern, weekends included. We thrive on routine, and sleep is no exception.
Aiming for 7–9 hours of shut-eye nightly, and hitting the hay and waking up consistently, sets the stage for effortless sleep and alert mornings.
Amid the uncharted territory of early university life, it might be tough to maintain the sleep schedule you’re accustomed to. But it’s crucial to prioritize rest, planning your days with a regular lights-out and rise-and-shine time, even on Saturdays and Sundays!
An occasional late night is perfectly okay, but don’t let it become the norm.
And don’t forget to create a rest-conducive space in your dorm or bedroom.
To maximize your sleep quality, ensure your new place is decked out with the basics: complete darkness, a cool environment (ideally between 16–18°C), and a bed that’s both comfortable and supportive.
Missing any of these could mean missing out on the restorative sleep necessary to manage the demands of university life.
You don’t need to splurge to transform your room into a sanctuary for sleep.
For darkness, inexpensive temporary blackout solutions or a trusty sleep mask can do wonders.
If you’re unable to control the room’s temperature, consider cracking a window or using a fan or heater to adjust it.
And if the mattress isn’t doing your back any favors, a mattress topper could be a worthwhile investment for added comfort.
Looking for some decoration tips to infuse your space with charm? Our style guide has got you covered on personalizing your student room.
Steer clear of sleep-sabotaging snacks and sips before hitting the hay Life in a bustling city university means endless cuisine and nightlife temptations, especially during the social whirlwind of Fresher’s Week and beyond.
Despite the allure, it’s wise to avoid consuming sleep-stealing substances like caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
Eating a substantial meal too close to when you turn in can also disrupt your sleep, as your body stays busy digesting.
So, make a point to finish any caffeinated drinks, alcoholic beverages, and large meals a few hours before you plan to sleep.
Embrace daytime napping as a secret weapon.
Feeling drowsy after lectures or sluggish after a night out? A short nap could be the perfect solution to re-energize yourself.
Contrary to the advice of maintaining a regular sleep schedule, a brief nap can actually complement it if you’re careful not to oversleep.
For an optimal power nap that won’t throw off your nightly rest, aim for no more than 90 minutes. This duration allows for a complete sleep cycle, enhancing mood, memory, and creativity without leaving you in a fog.
For more insight into mastering the perfect nap, have a look at our blog post dedicated to the art of napping.
Handle noisy roommates with tact For those who’ve only ever lived with family, sharing a space with other young adults can be an adjustment, especially if your housemates are the late-night, noisy kind.
If the commotion is messing with your rest, it’s wise to have an honest talk early on to set boundaries for nighttime noise.
Should the din persist, don’t underestimate the power of earplugs to block out the sound and secure your much-needed sleep.
