Balancing Christmas fun with revision is a bit of an art

You want the cosy films, nights out and family time... and you also want January-you to walk into exams and deadlines without panicking. If you do have exams or assessments after the break, here’s how to enjoy the holidays and still feel on top of your work.

1. Start with a simple plan (nothing fancy)

You don’t need a colour-coded life spreadsheet. Just grab a bit of paper or a notes app and answer:

• When am I busy? Family stuff, work shifts, travel days, any big social plans.
• What’s due in January? Exams, coursework deadlines, lab reports, group projects.
• Roughly how much work is each one? “Big exam, lots of memorising”, “1,500-word essay”, “problem sheets”.

Then block out:

• Non-negotiable fun days – e.g. Christmas Eve/Day, New Year’s Eve. No work allowed.
• Light study days – maybe 1–2 hours.
• Solid study days – 3–4 focused hours with breaks.

Seeing it laid out stops you thinking “I should be revising all the time” and helps you enjoy time off without guilt.

2. Set goals that January-you will thank you for

Instead of “revise everything” (which is useless), be specific:

• “Finish notes for Weeks 1–4 of [Module]”
• “Do 3 past papers for [Module]”
• “Plan and write first draft of essay”
• “Make revision flashcards for key definitions”

Then spread these goals across your weeks. Aim for progress, not perfection – if you stick to 70–80% of your plan, that’s still a win.

3. Use short, focused bursts

Over winter, your attention span is probably fighting mince pies and Netflix.

Try this:

• 25 minutes work, 5 minutes break (Pomodoro style)
• After 3–4 rounds, take a longer break (20–30 minutes)

In each 25-minute block, choose one tiny task:

• “Summarise lecture 3”
• “Make a mind map for Topic A”
• “Do 5 practice questions”

Short bursts feel more doable, especially if you’re at home and people keep shouting you for food/visits/errands.

4. Create a “good enough” study setup

You might not have your usual Hartley Library set-up over the break, and that’s fine. Aim for:

• A regular spot – kitchen table, bedroom desk, a quiet café, a space in halls if you’re staying in Southampton.
• Minimal distractions – headphones in, phone on “Do Not Disturb” or in another room for 25 minutes.
• Everything you need in reach – laptop, charger, notes, water, snacks.

If you’re staying in Southampton, check what spaces are open (like the library or learning spaces on campus) and use them to get a couple of solid study sessions in away from your flat.

5. Agree “study time” with your family/housemates

If you’re home for Christmas, people often assume you’re on full holiday mode.

Have a quick chat: “I’m going to do a couple of hours of uni work in the mornings, then I’m free the rest of the day.”

Most people will get it once you explain you’ve got assessments in January. It also stops that nagging “I should be revising” feeling when you’re trying to relax later on.

If you’re staying in halls, you can do the same with flatmates: “I’m going to work 10–12, then I’m done for the day. Coffee/film after?”

6. Stay connected with coursemates (even a little)

A quick bit of accountability goes a long way:

• Create a WhatsApp or Discord “study buddies” chat
• Share your mini goals for the day (“I’m doing past paper Q1–3 this morning”)
• Check in at the end (“Done mine, how did you get on?”)

You could even do virtual study sessions over video call: camera on or off, everyone on mute, just working at the same time (weirdly motivating).

7. Mix “fun work” with the boring stuff

Some tasks feel lighter and more creative. Use them when your brain’s tired:

• Making revision flashcards
• Creating colourful mind maps
• Watching lecture recordings at 1.25x speed and taking short notes
• Organising your files and folders

Save heavy tasks (past papers, essay writing, problem sheets) for times when you’ve got a bit more energy, usually earlier in the day for most people.

8. Protect actual time off

You’re allowed to rest. In fact, you’ll work better if you do.

Try:

• Full break days – pick a couple where you do zero uni work
• Evening cut-off time – e.g. no work after 7 pm
• Phone-free fun – games, walks, films with no half-revising/half-scrolling

Burnout in December doesn’t help you in January. Rest is revision too.

9. Look after your brain and body (the boring but important bit)

You don’t need to become a wellness influencer, just keep the basics in mind:

• Sleep – as much as the Christmas socials allow; it makes revising so much easier
• Water and actual meals – not just chocolate and snacks all day (tempting though)
• Fresh air – quick walks around your neighbourhood or the Common if you’re still in Southampton
• Movement – a gym session, yoga video, or even just stretching between study blocks

10. Do a mini “back to uni” reset

A few days before you’re back on campus or back into routine in Southampton, spend an hour getting yourself sorted:

• Check all your January deadlines/exam dates
• Make a simple week-one plan
• Pack your bag or organise your desk
• List any questions you need to ask lecturers or tutors in the first week back

You’ll walk into January feeling like you’re steering the ship, not clinging onto it.

You don’t have to choose between a fun Christmas and doing well in January. A bit of light planning, short focused study sessions and some honest chats with family/flatmates can give you the best of both.