Winter Study Tips for a Master’s Degree in Engineering

06/01/2022

How to breeze through winter doing your master’s in engineering!

 

Staying motivated in winter can be tricky, especially if you’re studying a complicated subject like engineering. All engineering disciplines require a great deal of concentration, and focused revision during exam time…but do you find yourself struggling when it gets dark outside?

In fact, there could be a link between gloomy weather and reduced memory function, according to science. So if you find it harder to study during these months, you’re not alone!

Here are some winter study tips and proactive study techniques to help you out…

Try to wake up early


As the days become shorter in winter, your sleep cycle may become disrupted. A lack of sunlight causes your brain to produce more melatonin, and that’s the hormone that makes you sleepy. Try to combat this by maintaining the same cycle as you have in the summer.

Wake up at the same time and attack the day. There’s even some evidence to suggest that early risers are more productive, which could come in handy for complex engineering modules.

Take regular breaks


For students doing their master’s degree in engineering, taking breaks is essential in optimising concentration. Whatever specialism you choose, a master’s degree in engineering is notoriously hard, but scheduled study breaks can actually help you learn more effectively.

Research shows that taking purposeful breaks from studying (anything between 5 minutes to an hour) can hit the refresh button on your brain, increasing energy levels, boosting productivity, and heightening focus.

Start a winter study group


Studying on your own can be one of the best study techniques when you have a lot to get through and you need absolute quiet. But studying with friends can actually be great for staying motivated. Group study is also brilliant for sharing thoughts and ideas, cross-checking facts, and inspiring creativity and problem-solving. 

Drink more fluids


Did you know that it’s easier to become dehydrated in winter? This is because most people don't notice the fluids leaving their bodies, and combined with decreased thirst levels in cold weather, dehydration can catch you off guard.

Fluids are essential for brain cells to function properly, so keep a water bottle by your desk. To warm your cockles, try focus-enhancing teas such as yerba mate, peppermint, ginger tea or green tea.

Keeping hydrated is one of the best study tips to adopt, but many people forget. So set a reminder on your phone if you have a habit of neglecting your fluid levels.

Consider buying a sunlamp


Does winter really get you down in the dumps? If you’re a long-term sufferer of the winter blues, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) may have its hold on you. Bright light exposure activates regions of the brain that promote alertness and improve cognitive function, so a sunlamp could help.

Alarm clocks with a built-in lamp could be beneficial for getting you up in the mornings too!

 

We hope our winter study tips help you get through the chilly season during your master’s in engineering. Remember to wrap up warm, eat healthily, and make time for exercise, or the great outdoors. Keeping your mind and body in tip top shape will give you an advantage with complicated studies such as engineering courses.

The University of Bolton is a leading Greater Manchester university with a wide range of engineering degrees on offer, so there’s nowhere better to study in this subject. Our postgraduate programmes include civil engineering, electrical and electronic engineering (ranking 3rd in the UK for Student Satisfaction*), mechanical engineering, and motorsport engineering,

To find out more about applying for a master’s degree in engineering in 2022, see our available courses.

*Complete University Guide 2022

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