For many students, life doesn’t pause for a postgraduate degree.
You might be moving straight from undergraduate study or coming back to education after a break. Either way, there’s still work, family and everyday life to manage.
I’m balancing study alongside real life too, and I’ve learned quickly that postgraduate study is about using the time you have better. This blog shares an honest insight into what that balance can really look like as a postgraduate student at Teesside, and why it’s more achievable than it might first seem.
Life as a postgraduate student
Postgraduate life doesn’t come with a tidy manual and accepting that early saves you a lot of stress. There’s a lot of independence, which means some weeks feel calm, and others feel packed with deadlines, presentations and essays. Instead of chasing the ‘perfect balance’, it helps to create your own structure.
One thing that helps is doing a short reset at the start of each week. Look at your upcoming deadlines, how many hours you’re working and what personal or family commitments you have.
Balancing study with work and family
When you’re juggling study with work or family, it helps to treat study time like a fixed commitment rather than something you squeeze in at the end of the day. Blocking out even one or two short study sessions each week can make a big difference.
It’s also worth communicating early with employers or family around busy periods and lowering expectations during heavy weeks. Progress, even in small chunks, still counts.
Real tips that actually help
Something that has made a big difference for me is keeping everything in one place. Keeping deadlines, work shifts and personal commitments in a single planner helps you see what you’re working with and avoid last-minute stress.
Also, remember that every study session can’t be the same, and pushing yourself past your limit every day is counterproductive. Decide what each session should bring – some may need to be longer, and others shorter and lighter. Set aside some sessions just to read an article, follow up on emails or outline an assignment. That still counts as progress.
Finally, set stopping points. Decide in advance when you’re done for the day rather than working until you’re exhausted. Knowing when to stop makes it easier to stay consistent over time.
Support and flexibility at Teesside
At Teesside, flexibility is built into postgraduate study – so many students are balancing jobs, families and other commitments. Many courses offer a mix of in-person and online learning, which makes it easier to fit around life.
Tutors are approachable too, so support is always available when you ask. Reach out early if you’re struggling or have a busy period and are unable to meet deadlines. They will always provide guidance and point you in the right direction for extra support.
Beyond your course, Teesside also offers wellbeing services and initiatives such as the Great Minds campaign, which focuses on helping students look after their mental health alongside their studies.
Balancing work, life and family alongside postgraduate study isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about finding a rhythm that works for you and adjusting when life gets busy.
If you’re thinking about taking the next step, it’s worth remembering that postgraduate study at Teesside is designed to fit around real lives, not the other way around.
Thinking about studying at postgraduate level? Explore our courses on our website.
By Tracy
