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[Newsletter] TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR ACADEMIC 2025
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2025.02.03
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국제학대학원
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by Frédérique Morré

Junior Editor, GSIS Newsletter


The spring semester might still seem far away, but as we settle into 2025, it’s important to start thinking about how to approach personal planning for the new semester—especially when balancing the challenges of graduate school. Successful planning at university boils down to finding a method that works for you, whether it is using a digital or physical planner, discovering the right note-taking system (paper, Goodnotes, Onenote, Obsidian, or Notion), or setting reminders on your phone for deadlines. In theory, this is all you need, but that doesn’t take into account the personal element of planning your academic life. Here's your comprehensive guide to creating a sustainable and fulfilling year ahead.


Wellbeing is everything

Yonsei’s academic environment is a highly competitive one, and it can quickly become overwhelming. This year, students should prioritize their physical and mental health over academic achievements. In 2025, schedule regular exercise as often as you schedule long study sessions. Whether it is morning yoga, afternoon walks with friends, or evening gym sessions, treat these as non-negotiable appointments with yourself. Get ahead of the stress by dedicating just 15 minutes to breathe, meditate, or stretch—simple practices like rolling your shoulders or following accessible yoga and meditation sessions online can make a big difference.

Yonsei also offers free counseling services–schedule regular check-ins even when you are feeling fine. Consider it as maintenance rather than crisis management. If you feel uncomfortable with therapy, consider getting a journal to flow-write your thoughts, or get together with your friends for regular brain-dumping meetings. Meeting and maintaining your friendships regularly will help with whatever is bothering you during the semester and reduce stress.


Keep your work-life balance in check (or how to manage your time)

Work-life balance in graduate school isn’t about a perfect 50-50 split—it is about sustainable rhythms that prevent burnout while advancing your goals. Set clear academic boundaries by communicating when you’re available, like personal “office hours.”

Plan regular social activities with academic and non-academic friends, such as visiting museums or attending events, and treat these plans with the same importance as deadlines. Use your planner to create "protected time blocks" for work and personal life—if Wednesdays are for coffee with friends, honor that commitment as you would a meeting with a professor.

Many graduate students struggle with academic guilt, feeling unproductive when not working. However, downtime is essential for your brain to process information and generate new insights. Additionally, adjust your expectations throughout the semester—during midterms or finals, structure your time wisely by focusing on when you are most efficient, while still prioritizing self-care.

Importantly, celebrate small wins, whether it is following your schedule, delivering a strong presentation, or finding a great research topic. Remember, do not strive for perfection, instead focus on improvement and completion. Remember, your ultimate goal is to finish your degree while maintaining your health, relationships, and passion for your field—even if it means setting boundaries, saying “no,” or disappointing others occasionally. In 2025, let’s set ourselves up for the long-term successes, rather than the short-term victories. You and your ambitions will both win in the end.