This blog is written by our semester intern Aryendu.
Blinked and suddenly you’re halfway through the semester? Same here. If your to-do list looks like it could take over the world, you’re not alone.
The good news? It’s not too late to bounce back. Falling behind happens to almost everyone at some point – even the organised ones. Whether you’re catching up on lectures, tackling overdue assignments, or just trying to find your groove again, here’s your game plan for an academic comeback:
🧠 Check in with where you’re at
Before you plan a comeback, figure out what needs attention. Make a quick checklist:
- Missed lectures/tutorials
- Upcoming assignments and due dates
- LMS announcements or emails you’ve dodged
Having everything in front of you helps you prioritise and stay focused.
📩 Don’t be afraid to reach out
Falling behind? Reach out early. Your subject coordinators and tutors want you to succeed.
They might:
- Offer flexibility or guidance
- Share extra notes or recordings
- Help you work out where to focus
A quick email can go a long way, check out our recent blog for tips on how to write professional emails to your professors! If you reach out to your Subject Coordinator (or any academic) over the mid-semester break and don’t hear back from them, please don’t worry. Most academic staff will be back at work from Wednesday 23 April and will respond to you then.
📅 Time–block like a pro
Now’s the time to ditch the “I’ll do it later” vibe. Put your phone on silent and block out time for:
📚 Catching up on content
✍️ Assignment work
😴 Actual rest (it matters!)
Work in short bursts. Try 45-minute sessions with breaks or research about the Pomodoro technique. It keeps your brain fresh and focused.
🧰 Use your La Trobe toolkit
There’s help all around you, including:
- Studiosity Plus for feedback on your writing
- Library workshops and drop-ins
- Your subject learning guide – yep, it’s more useful than it looks
💬 Be kind to yourself
You’re not behind because you’re lazy or incapable – life just happens sometimes. Don’t let a rough patch knock your confidence. You’re here, you’re trying and that counts.
✅ Bonus tip: Do one thing today
Not five. Just one.
- Watch a lecture
- Start that assignment
- Organise your notes
Small wins add up fast.
You’ve got this. Break it down, reset and let’s finish the semester strong. Small steps lead to big results 💪✨