15 January 2026

Summer break is a vibe. Late mornings, random adventures, zero deadlines. Bliss.
But now uni is creeping back in and you’re thinking: How do I switch from beach brain to study brain?

Good news: You don’t need to slam the brakes. Just ease in with these seven moves.

1. Reset That Body Clock

If you’ve been living the “2 a.m. bedtime” life, no judgment. But Week 1 will hurt if you don’t fix it.

Try this:

  • Go to bed 20–30 mins earlier each night.
  • Wake up at the same time every day (yes, weekends too).
  • Ditch the doom scroll in bed — your brain needs the memo: sleep time now.

2. Make Your Study Space a Vibe

Your desk isn’t just a desk. It’s your focus zone.
Clear the clutter. Restock your pens. Add something fun — a plant, a cool notebook, a vision board.
A tidy space = a brain that’s ready to work.

3. Plan Lightly (Don’t Go Full Spreadsheet Nerd)

Before Week 1 chaos hits, map the basics:

  • Class timetable
  • Work shifts
  • Key dates (orientation, assignments)

Then sketch a simple weekly rhythm. No need for rainbow planners — just a rough idea of when you’ll study, chill, and socialise.

 4. Warm Up Your Brain

Jumping straight into heavy readings? Nope. Start small:

  • Skim last semester’s notes
  • Watch short vids on your new units
  • Read a few pages of something academic but fun
  • Do light stuff like flashcards or summaries

Think of it like stretching before a workout.

 5. Tiny Goals = Big Wins

Forget “study for 5 hours.” Start with:

  • “25 mins of study today”
  • “Organise Week 1 schedule”
  • “Read one chapter”

Small wins stack up. Momentum is magic.

 6. Find Your People

Uni feels better with mates. Message classmates, join group chats, hit up early campus events. Even one study buddy makes the grind easier.

 7. Be Nice to Yourself

Feeling rusty? Totally normal. Your brain’s rebooting. Habits take time. Celebrate the baby steps — they’re what get you back in the groove.

 Bottom Line

Getting back into study mode isn’t about flipping a switch. It’s about easing in, building habits, and giving yourself grace. You’ve got this.