- I’m overwhelmed by everything I need to do and can’t seem to get started. How can I stop procrastinating?
Putting off tasks can easily become a way to escape, where you reward yourself before doing the work. If you decide to play a game first and study later, you might end up skipping the studying altogether. And the more you procrastinate, the more stressed you feel. The longer you wait, the harder it is to get going.
Here’s how to escape the procrastination trap:
Remove distractions
Go somewhere you can focus
Make a to-do list with short, concrete tasks
Reward yourself after each task
And most importantly… just start!
Feeling unmotivated? That’s okay. Motivation isn’t a must to study — although it helps. Often it shows up once you get into the material and start finding it interesting.
SiO Health offers free courses that give you practical training, tools, and tips — including mindfulness, stress regulation, and how to stop postponing things. Check out the course calendar here.
- I want to make new friends, but I find it hard to reach out. Any tips?
You’re not alone — many students feel it’s tough to start without knowing anyone. Good friendships take time, so be patient and give yourself the space to grow connections.
Try finding others who share your interests — that gives you something in common right away. A great place to start is SiO Associations. Look for student associations that match your hobbies. Some even have a “Welcome” label, meaning they go the extra mile to include new members.
Other ways to connect:
Join a study group — it’s a great way to meet classmates.
Get involved in group projects or teamwork.
Explore activism, politics, or volunteer opportunities.
Check out the event calendar for social events.
Want to hear about events first? Sign up for our newsletter!And remember — simple things like eye contact, a smile, or just saying “hi” can make all the difference.
- It’s only the first week and I’m already stressed about exams. Help?
Feeling stressed at the start of something new is totally normal. The key is to work steadily throughout the semester.
Everyone gets a bit nervous before exams — and a little stress can actually help you stay sharp. But if the nerves hit right from the beginning, it could be your inner critic turning up the pressure. Here’s what you can do:
- Speak kindly to yourself. If a friend was nervous about an exam months away, how would you talk to them? Talk to yourself the same way.
- Make a realistic plan. Break big tasks into manageable daily chunks.
- Take daily breaks. Rest helps you focus.
- Visualize success. Picture yourself calm and focused during the exam: “I’m calm and collected. I recall what I’ve learned.” Mental rehearsal works!
- Get to know your breath. Breathing techniques can really help calm your body and mind.
- I really want to do well in my studies. How do I structure my days?
When you’re new to student life, it can be hard to know how to manage your time. Creating a weekly plan is one of the best tools to break big goals into small, doable steps.
Your weekly plan should:
- Give you a full overview: lectures, deadlines, meetings, etc.
- Take pressure off your memory — don’t try to keep everything in your head.
- Help you feel motivated by checking off tasks and seeing progress.
- Reduce the need for daily willpower. Stick to your routine and let the plan guide you!
And remember — progress takes time. If your first week didn’t go as planned, that’s okay. Just keep going.
Got more questions?
SiO Health offers courses, self-help resources, and one-on-one support to help you handle all this — and more. Don’t hesitate to get in touch!