Uni work will always be hard and there isn't really a way around it. You've just got to find a balance that suits you.

By this I mean, find the balance of working and not working, as in, don't do it all. This sounds a bit stuipid but everyone does it. Do you need to read every page of every article? Use sticky notes for novels and books but flick through to find 2 or 3 quotes that you can use in class. Quality not quantity. 3 well developed points are worth more than a list of contents of the books youve read.

The more specific stuff is for assessment, but again target your revision or coursework to something you know a bit about/have an interest in and it will come easier. Develop a few points in detail to show knowledge as well as creativity in giving your own argument.

As your course progresses, you'll probably find something you want to specialise in and your work will all focus around similar points. Don't be afraid of this. If this is your first year, it might seem like a lot. But first year is a buffet with bits of everything. Second and third years are where you get what you want and its easier to handle.

Don't worry about your accent. If you develop a single point well in front of private schoolers who have spent the last week in the library and are struggling to remember every word of a book, you will be fine. Especially if you thought of that point after a 20 minute read with a cup of tea followed by whatever you want to do. Then if other people make points, link it back to yours. Hey presto you've used their strength against them.

I am in my 3rd year, and I have not been out once this term. I'm going out tonight, but will be home by 10 probably. My housemates and I spend every night playing Monopoly (sad right?). Not getting hammered every other night doesn't mean you have no social life. You just have to fit a social life with your work and remember not to panic, the worst thing that will happen is youll get a bad mark in a test. If that happens, you try and beat that mark next time. If you find yourself stressing out, put your pen down and go make lunch. Eat right, relax right and working will come just as easy.