Making the decision to study a postgraduate degree is a big one. But what most people don’t really consider are the smaller details like how to juggle your studies, personal life, work and your mental health.
With so many balls constantly in the air, it’s easy to feel drained, but feeling drained doesn’t mean you’re failing – it simply means you’re human.
The reality of postgraduate life
On paper, postgraduate study can seem like a breeze, mostly because there’s so much time set aside for independent study, and classes seem more chill than what you might be used to.
If you’re someone who thrives with self-management, this might be a pleasant structure for you. However, if you struggle with limited structure and independent study, the sudden expectations can feel overwhelming. Reading lists are long, presentations suddenly require design skills you never knew you’d need, and deadlines constantly overlap.
If this sounds familiar, one thing that can help is creating your own structure. This might mean mapping out deadlines at the start of term, or breaking big tasks into smaller weekly goals so everything feels more manageable.
While it can feel like everyone else has it all figured out, it’s worth remembering that most people are only sharing the polished version of their experience. Try checking in with course mates or tutors early on, rather than assuming you’re the only one struggling.
The first step is recognising and accepting the pressure instead of ignoring it. Once you do that, it becomes much easier to look for and use the support that’s already available to you.
Small steps make all the difference
When everything already feels overwhelming, the idea of adding a “mental health fix” to your to-do list can feel counterproductive. But it’s often the smallest changes that make the biggest difference to your overall wellbeing.
Set realistic standards for yourself and don’t overextend yourself with tasks. If long study sessions leave you exhausted, try breaking your work into shorter blocks with proper breaks in between. Even 20 minutes of focused work can be more effective than an hour of staring at a screen and not retaining anything.
It also helps to build a simple routine around your study. This could be something small, like dedicating a quiet area in your home to work or taking a short walk to clear your head before starting an assignment. These habits help your brain switch into ‘study mode’.
Most importantly, check in with yourself regularly and be honest about how you’re feeling. If you’re constantly tired, overwhelmed or dreading every task, that’s a sign to pause and seek support rather than pushing through alone.
Looking after yourself outside of study
As a postgraduate student, one thing you might realise quickly is that once deadlines start stacking up, everything else in your life starts to suffer. You lose sleep and survive on cereal and coffee, promising yourself long weekend lie-ins and proper meals once you’ve submitted.
Spoiler alert: that time never really comes.
It’s easy to start treating rest like a reward you earn for being productive. But waiting until everything’s finished before taking care of yourself just leaves you running on empty.
Start with small changes. Going to bed earlier instead of forcing another late night means you can wake up with a clearer head and focus when you sit down to study. Taking a break to eat real food also helps, and saves you from spending half an hour convincing yourself that hunger is “just in your head”.
None of these changes are dramatic or anything beyond what you’d normally do, but that’s exactly what makes them manageable. Those small shifts can make a real difference when things start to feel overwhelming.
Staying connected
Postgraduate study can feel isolating, especially when it’s so easy to disappear into your own workload and convince yourself that struggling is just part of the process. Feeling overwhelmed, anxious or constantly exhausted isn’t something you’re meant to quietly push through.
At Teesside University, the Great Minds campaign helps students look after their mental health in ways that fit around everyday life – through events like the Student Life Great Minds Festival, which runs interactive activities focused on improving mental health and wellbeing right on campus. These events are a chance to step away from study, reset and connect with others.
Beyond events, students have access to a range of support services through the Student Assistance Programme and the Wellbeing Hub. Whether you need someone to talk to, or you’re curious about your options, this service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
You don’t have to do it all alone. Small steps, being honest with yourself, and knowing when to reach out are all part of looking after your mental health and making the most of your postgraduate experience.
Find out more about the support available through our Great Minds campaign.
