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Education

Harmonising study-life balance in college: A couple’s journey

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BALANCING the demands of college life and personal relationships is a challenge. Imagine you
and your significant other both navigating the choppy waters of academics, deadlines, and a
relationship. It’s not just about finding time for each other; it’s about supporting one another’s
goals and aspirations while juggling your own.

This delicate balancing act becomes even more complex when you’re both striving for academic
excellence. Resources like EssayService become invaluable allies, offering assistance with
academic tasks, such as “write my research paper.” Yet, this is only one building block of a
healthy relationship. Let’s delve deeper into practical recommendations on how to find a study-life balance in college as a couple.

Establish Shared Goals
The first step towards harmonising your study-life balance is setting shared goals. This isn’t just
about agreeing to study at the same coffee shop. You need to understand and respect each
other’s academic and personal ambitions. For instance, if one of you is pre-med and the other is
an aspiring playwright, recognising the differing demands of these paths is crucial. Creating a
joint calendar can help you visualise each other’s important dates, like exams, rehearsals, or
presentations.

Additionally, don’t overlook the value of setting relationship goals. Whether it’s planning a
weekend getaway post-finals or committing to a weekly date night, these goals keep your bond
strong amidst academic pressures. They serve as a reminder that, even though college is
temporary, your relationship is a priority worth investing time and effort into.

Use Time Management Tricks
A key ingredient in balancing your studies and personal life is effective time management. Let’s
break down some practical tips:
● Use a digital planner and sync your schedules to avoid clashes.
● Set study boundaries and allocate specific times for studying and relaxation.
● Prioritise tasks.
● Stay on top of your tasks to prevent last-minute stress.
● Embrace downtime. It’s essential for mental health.

● Study together. If your subjects align, it can be productive and bonding.
● Keep each other informed about busy periods.
● Respect each other’s study time.

After implementing these strategies, you’ll likely notice an improvement not just in academic
performance but in the quality of your relationship. Having a structure helps prevent last-minute
study sessions from encroaching on your personal time.

Add Stress-Reduction Strategies to Your Routine
College life inherently comes with stress, which can seep into your relationship. So, it’s vital to
have stress-reduction strategies in place. Engaging in activities that you both enjoy, like hiking,
cooking, or attending campus events, can serve as a stress outlet. These shared experiences
not only help you unwind but also strengthen your connection.
Equally important is acknowledging when you need alone time. This might seem counterintuitive
in a relationship, but a 2023 study confirms that daily alone time to decompress or pursue
individual hobbies can significantly reduce stress levels. Balancing togetherness with
individuality ensures that stress from one area of your life doesn’t overwhelm the other.

Improve Financial Management
Let’s face it: college can be expensive, and financial stress can strain a relationship. Here are
some tips to keep your finances in check:
● Create a joint budget to track your combined expenses and savings.
● Seek scholarships and grants to reduce the financial burden of tuition.
● Opt for affordable date ideas like picnics, free campus events, or movie nights.
● Split shared costs to prevent resentment.
● Take advantage of deals available to students.
● Discuss long-term financial goals and steps to achieve them.
● Be open about financial struggles.

With a sound financial plan, you can reduce the stress that money issues bring to a relationship.

Navigate Long-Distance Challenges
For couples attending different colleges, the long-distance element adds a unique layer to
balancing study and relationships. Technology becomes your best ally here. Beyond the usual
texts and calls, try scheduling virtual study dates. Picture this: both of you on a video call, with books open, studying together in silence. It creates a sense of shared purpose, even miles
apart.

Start a book or TV series together and discuss it during your calls. This shared activity keeps
you connected on a level beyond just updating each other about your day.
Also, embrace the power of snail mail. Sending handwritten letters or care packages can bring a
delightful, tangible aspect to your communication, something that texts and emails can’t match.

Combine Studies with Shared Entrepreneurial Ventures:

In a unique twist, some couples channel their academic pursuits into joint entrepreneurial
ventures. This approach is particularly intriguing for business, technology, or art majors. For
example, a computer science and a graphic design major might collaborate on developing a
mobile app or a website. This serves as a practical application of their studies and fosters a
deeper appreciation of each other’s skills.
Moreover, this collaborative effort can extend beyond immediate academic benefits. It paves the
way for understanding the dynamics of working together professionally. Balancing the roles of
business partners and romantic partners requires clear communication, respect for each other’s
expertise, and the ability to resolve disagreements.

Leverage Academic Resources
College offers a plethora of resources that can help ease academic pressures. For example,
many campuses offer tutoring centers, writing workshops, and study groups that can enhance
your learning experience. You can also use the best dissertation writing service if you need
some external support from experts. Encouraging each other to take advantage of these
resources not only boosts academic performance but also reduces the time spent struggling
with difficult subjects.
In addition to academic resources, don’t forget about mental health services. Many colleges
offer counseling services, which can be beneficial for managing stress, anxiety, or any
relationship issues that might arise due to academic pressures.

Conclusion
Navigating the college experience as a couple involves more than just managing study
schedules and date nights. It’s about growing together, both academically and personally. Use
our tips to ensure that your academic journey remains on track without sacrificing the quality of
your relationship.

Ultimately, the journey through college as a couple is a remarkable opportunity to build a strong
foundation for your future together. By embracing both the challenges and the joys, supporting each other’s goals, and learning to navigate life’s complexities hand-in-hand, you set the stage
for a relationship that can withstand the tests of time.

Education

Excluding pupils for knives ‘too simple’, says Estyn chief

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A SCHOOL should understand why a pupil brings a knife in rather than relying on blanket exclusions, the chief inspector of Welsh education watchdog Estyn has said.

Owen Evans said the “easy answer” was to exclude pupils, but insisted the issue needed a more nuanced approach.

He argued there were multiple reasons why a child might bring a weapon to school and that a one-size-fits-all policy would not work.

However, Neil Butler, national officer for Wales at the NASUWT union, called the suggestion “most unhelpful” and said immediate exclusions should be the priority to protect pupils and staff.

School attack in Ammanford

Mr Evans’ comments follow the conviction of a 14-year-old girl for the attempted murder of three people during a stabbing at a school in Ammanford, Carmarthenshire.

Estyn chief inspector Owen Evans (Image: BBC)

“You may have a child that has every potential for redemption but they have fallen into bad practice, and we cannot exclude those people from society,” he told the BBC’s Walescast.

“A lot of children who bring knives to school feel threatened themselves or believe others are carrying weapons.

“We need to tackle the root causes behind these decisions,” he added.

While knife crime in Welsh schools is rare, Mr Evans said lessons needed to be learned.

Bridgend council has announced an inquiry after police were called to Bryntirion Comprehensive last week when a knife was reportedly found in a pupil’s bag.

Union backs tough action

Speaking to BBC Radio Wales, Mr Butler acknowledged the importance of understanding why children bring weapons to school but said the approach could not be “nuanced”.

He described Mr Evans’ concerns about exclusion pushing pupils out of society as “nonsense” and insisted that removing offenders from schools was necessary for safety.

“If a child who has carried a knife into school remains there while psychologists assess them, they continue to pose a danger to others,” he said.

“Exclusion doesn’t mean the end of education—it means education in a more suitable setting outside of mainstream schools.”

He added: “We must be clear: carrying a knife has consequences. That means immediate exclusion.

“It’s as simple as that—we have to nip this in the bud before it escalates further.”

Rising behavioural issues

Estyn is preparing to release its annual report on the state of education and training in Wales, with concerns over increasing behavioural problems.

Mr Evans said: “Since the pandemic, we are seeing young children coming into school unable to communicate or even potty trained.”

He called for more support for pupils and teachers but acknowledged a lack of resources.

“Strong leadership, clear and consistently applied behaviour policies, and good family support can make a real difference,” he said.

Wales’ Education Secretary, Lynne Neagle, has announced a behavioural summit next year to tackle the “complex” issues facing schools.

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Education

Exciting apprenticeship opportunities at Port of Milford Haven

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FOR those looking to kickstart a career in Pembrokeshire, apprenticeships at the Port of Milford Haven offer an exciting and practical route into the workforce.

As the UK’s leading energy port and a key economic hub, the Port plays a vital role in connecting southwest Wales to global trade routes. Through its apprenticeship programmes, it is providing valuable opportunities for young people and career changers to gain hands-on experience while earning industry-recognised qualifications.

Building careers through apprenticeships

Apprenticeships at the Port span a range of departments, allowing individuals to gain skills in areas such as IT, engineering, and port operations. These roles provide a practical learning experience, equipping apprentices with the expertise needed to thrive in their chosen careers.

One such success story is Craig Davies, who joined the Port’s IT department as an apprentice in 2021 after completing a Level 3 IT Practitioner course at Pembrokeshire College.

“Starting the apprenticeship was a big step, but an exciting one,” Craig recalled. “It gave me real-world responsibility while still allowing me to learn on the job. The experience of earning and learning at the same time was invaluable.”

Hands-on experience and career progression

During his two-year apprenticeship, Craig gained extensive experience working in the Port’s Digital Solutions and Delivery department. He attended training courses, networked with professionals, and even had the opportunity to travel for work-related learning.

“Being in a real working environment helped me build connections and develop my skills far beyond what I could learn in a classroom,” he said. “One of the best parts was the variety—one day I’d be in the office, and the next I’d be working at the Pembroke Dock Ferry Terminal or out on a jetty.”

Beyond professional development, Craig also valued the social aspects of his apprenticeship. “The Port really invests in team building, which made the experience even better. We even did an escape room once—it was a great way to get to know people.”

A bright future in Pembrokeshire

After completing his apprenticeship in 2023, Craig was offered a full-time position as a Junior Systems Administrator at the Port.

“If you’re someone who learns best by doing, rather than sitting in a classroom, an apprenticeship is definitely the way to go,” he said. “It prepares you for real work in a way that studying alone never could.”

As for his future, Craig is happy to be building his career in Pembrokeshire. “I never wanted to move away for university, so finding a great career opportunity here was perfect. Pembrokeshire is a fantastic place to live and work—I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

For those interested in exploring apprenticeship opportunities at the Port of Milford Haven, more information can be obtained by contacting [email protected].

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Education

Growing demand for mental health support among Pembrokeshire pupils

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NEW figures have revealed the number of Pembrokeshire schoolchildren referred to mental health services over the past three years.

Pembrokeshire County Council data has confirmed that 43 primary school pupils received support from school-based counsellors between 2021 and 2024. The number of referrals varied each year, with 17 recorded in 2021/22, rising to 18 in 2022/23 before dropping to 8 in 2023/24.

Meanwhile, demand for mental health support among secondary school students was significantly higher, with 2,167 pupils receiving counselling over the same period. The number of secondary school referrals peaked at 740 in 2022/23 before decreasing slightly to 704 in the most recent academic year.

School counsellors also made more than 100 referrals to external services such as CAMHS, the Disordered Eating Service, MIND, Sandy Bear, and the ASD Service.

A spokesperson for Pembrokeshire County Council acknowledged the growing concern over children’s mental health, citing factors such as family financial pressures, social media use, and the long-term impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on education and social development.

“Children’s emotional and mental well-being is a national and international issue, and Pembrokeshire is no exception,” the spokesperson said. “School counselling is a statutory function funded by the Welsh Government, and we also work with the Health Board to provide additional emotional health support.”

The council has allocated nearly £200,000 to school-based mental health services over the past three years, with spending rising from £43,670 in 2021/22 to £81,209 in 2022/23, before reducing to £74,802 in 2023/24.

Pembrokeshire’s ten secondary schools, including specialist provision centres, each have a dedicated counsellor, while primary school pupils in Years 5 and 6 can access support from three travelling counsellors who work across different schools.

As part of its efforts to address mental health challenges, the council has also introduced a mobile phone ban in all secondary schools, aiming to reduce social media pressures on students.

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