You can read part one here!
As I mentioned in the previous post, I have a pretty heavy workload this semester. There’s moments where I get to rest, but there’s also little pockets of burnout. If you’re applying to Berkeley or already here, chances are you’re also dealing with a lot.
Here’s some tips I’ve gathered over time:
Ask for a reduced workload!!
This semester, I realized I didn’t have time in my schedule for all my commitments. Several of my meetings overlap, and some tasks require me to block off specific times. Initially, I thought I would either have to quit or somehow handle everything at once. I knew there were options for a reduced workload, but I thought those only applied if you had DSP – Berkeley’s Disabled Students’ Program – accommodations.
I was scared to ask my supervisors for less work because I felt like I was letting them down. My reasoning was that I’d made a commitment, so I should stick to it. Finally, after a week of burning out, I forced myself to email or text all of them about a reduced workload. Surprisingly, they were all pretty understanding. They allowed me to have less tasks even without accommodations or a medical letter. Like my friends and parents said, my bosses are human too, and they should understand that I’m a human as well. I was fortunate that they were kind enough to accommodate me. If you’re handling a lot, I encourage you to do this as well. It’s helpful to know which tasks you can handle vs. which stress you out.
Go to office hours/talk to your instructors
This is similar to the previous point but for academics instead. Going to office hours is a good way to connect with professors and instructors, whether it’s about class material, the field they’re in, or personal life. Even just talking through an assignment helps me feel more assured that I’m on the right track. I might not ask for less work, but they might direct me to the right readings or resources so I can finish faster.
Additionally, some instructors or graders are more lenient with deadlines. There was a semester where I mentally just could not finish my essays on time. (Obviously, don’t do this!) I was very lucky that my instructors had flexible late work policies, and I am forever grateful to them for grading me like a human being. This won’t happen all the time, and it shouldn’t be the main reason you talk to them. But it’s more likely they’ll be understanding if you get to know them as a person. Instructors tend to be aware of student responsibilities, and you’ll never know if something is a hard deadline unless you ask.
Use Berkeley resources
The Student Learning Center is a great campus resource that offers tutoring for a variety of classes. I’ve used the Writing Drop-In hours several times for my essays. You can bring in an idea, outline, or draft to go over. The tutors there will ask you questions to prompt you into elaborating on your topic. Talking through my ideas verbally helps me structure them better on paper.
Berkeley has many great community spaces if you need to lock in and study away from your room. Identity group-based centers such as the Multicultural Center and the Gender Equity Center usually have study spaces. They have free snacks(!), and they provide resources for community members. Some examples are printers, stationery, chargers, First Aid supplies, and test booklets. An added benefit is that you get to bond with people you share identities with.
ThisI’m really grateful to my college and high school friends for all their advice; I’ve included some of it here. I talk to them about my workload, and they’ve reassured me that I’m doing more than enough for my current capacity. Texting them helps me feel less alone; I don’t have to handle everything myself.
Talk to your friends and classmates
Studying with classmates, especially before midterms, is a collaborative process. It’s less work than making a study guide individually or cramming an essay into one evening. If we’re meeting to work on an essay, for instance, I might try to finish my outline beforehand so we can discuss it. We all have different levels of understanding on the class material, so together we can fill in the gaps in our knowledge.
Whether you’re a high schooler or college student or just browsing, feel free to use these tips! If none are helpful, find something that applies to your situation. Again, if you’re committed to everything, you won’t be able to put 100% into anything, and you’ll end up overwhelmed. So take care of yourself <3