Assignments: BAC Students' Deadline Day
What's Done is Done
As we all know now, especially for you year 2 UKT students, assignments have passed their deadline. Many of you have submitted it early and on time while some may have left it a little too late; this one is for you guys.
Look, we've all been there. The clock is ticking, your heart is racing, and that assignment that seemed so far away is now due in a few hours. You stare at the screen, willing words to appear, regretting every moment you wasted scrolling through social media or convincing yourself that ‘tomorrow’ was a better day to start.
It’s stressful, exhausting, and let’s be honest – not your best work. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The good news? You can break the cycle. Here’s how to get ahead of your deadlines next time and reclaim your sanity.
Start Sooner Than You Think You Should
Your Future Self Will Thank You
That ‘plenty of time’ feeling is a lie. Assignments always take longer than expected, whether it's struggling with research, refining your argument, or dealing with unexpected distractions (which is usually the main culprit). Starting early gives you room to breathe – and to fix any disasters before they happen.
Break It Down
Looking at a huge assignment in one go can be overwhelming. Instead of thinking, ‘I need to write a 2,000-word essay,’ break it into smaller tasks:
- Research relevant sources
- Create an outline
- Write an introduction
- Draft body paragraphs
- Edit and proofread
Smaller steps make the task less daunting and more manageable.
Make a Plan and Stick to It
The Power of a Schedule
Set mini-deadlines for each step of your assignment. If it’s due in two weeks, maybe aim to have your research done in the first three days, your first draft completed within a week, and a couple of days left for editing. All we want to do is reduce the time spent cramming; if possible, get rid of that completely.
Use a Planner or an App
Whether it’s a physical planner, Google Calendar, or an app like Notion or Todoist, writing things down makes a difference. Set reminders. Make lists. Keep track of your progress.
Hold Yourself Accountable
Find an Accountability Buddy
It’s easier to stick to deadlines when someone else is checking in on you. Find a friend who also wants to stay on top of their work and set deadlines together.
Hold each other accountable. However, the most important thing that you can do for yourself, is to have the discipline to hold yourself accountable, because sometimes there may be no one to do that for you.
Reward Yourself
Give yourself something to look forward to after each milestone – whether it’s a snack, an episode of your favourite show, or just a break to scroll guilt-free.
Give Yourself Time to Edit
First Drafts Are Never Perfect
When you rush to finish at the last minute, there’s no time to check for mistakes or improve your argument. By finishing early, you give yourself time to just finetune your work that can make sure you submit something you’re actually proud of.
Read It Out Loud
This is one way where you can catch any awkward phrasing or weird sentence structures that your brain skips over when reading silently.
Run It Through a Spell Checker
Tools like Grammarly or even Word’s built-in spell check can save you from embarrassing mistakes (don't rely too heavily on it though).
You’ve Got This!
Deadlines don’t have to be a nightmare anymore. With a little planning, some discipline, and a few strategic breaks, you can stay ahead of the game and submit work you’re proud of – without the stress. Start today, stay consistent, and trust yourself. You’re capable of more than you think.
Now, go smash those deadlines!
Built with Shorthand