I can’t manage to be on campus more than two days a week. If I go more days than that, I end up bedridden. How should I handle this? 

It sounds like you’re really struggling to make your energy last, and it’s completely understandable that this affects your daily life. Becoming bedridden after too much activity is a clear sign that your body is pushing back, and it’s important to listen to that. 

A course schedule is what it is, and it can be difficult for an individual student to change. However, not everything in a course is usually mandatory. At the same time, teaching is intended to support your learning — teachers highlight what is most important to focus on, explain complex elements, and help you sort through the course literature. That said, there can be value in sometimes choosing to study from home when the session doesn’t require physical presence. 

When it comes to self‑study, i.e. activities that are not teacher‑led lectures or seminars, you can try planning your week so that your campus days are spread out with rest in between — for example Monday and Thursday — so you get time to recover. 

Lack of energy can be related to an imbalance between stress and recovery. If you know that a long day on campus drains you, it might be helpful to have a clear recovery plan. What works best for recovery is individual and depends on what has taken your energy. A good rule of thumb is to think in opposites. For some people, social interaction is the exhausting part — in that case, some quiet time alone might be what you need. If you’ve been sitting still in front of a computer or in a lecture, a jog, a gym session, or a walk might give you the best recovery. You may need to experiment and reflect on whether the activity you chose made you feel a bit more alert afterward. 

The most important recovery happens when we sleep. Aiming for regular sleep habits and sleeping enough so that you feel rested — or at least reasonably rested — when you wake up provides a solid foundation. 

Recovery is perishable. A common reason for feeling exhausted after a school day is that short breaks between study sessions have been forgotten or deprioritized. Resting your eyes for a moment by closing them and listening to calm music, standing up to stretch or take a short walk, refilling with coffee, water, or a snack, or having a brief chat with a classmate can help recharge so you can keep going. Again, thinking in opposites can be a good rule here. 

Your fatigue might of course also be related to specific difficulties or needs. At universities and colleges, it is possible to apply for what is called pedagogical support. To do this, you need documentation from healthcare providers describing your difficulties and needs. If you’re currently in treatment, you can ask whether they can provide such documentation, or you can use an earlier certificate, for example a diagnosis if you have one. After assessment by the unit for targeted educational support at your institution, you may be granted various types of compensatory accommodations. You can contact a coordinator at your institution directly about applying for support, or talk to a study advisor or course coordinator who can guide you. 

If you’re not already in contact with Student Health Services or other support services, it might be worthwhile to book an appointment. They can help you assess your energy levels and wellbeing and help you find strategies to make student life more sustainable. It may also be relevant to examine whether there is an underlying medical cause for your fatigue, if this hasn’t already been done. Sometimes taking sick leave becomes necessary; for this you may need to contact healthcare services. If you’re unsure how to proceed, Student Health Services at your institution can guide you. 

In any case, it’s important to reflect on whether you feel that your wellbeing affects your studies to the extent that you cannot manage to study right now. If that is the case, you can apply for a study break and then return to your studies when you feel better. Study advisors at your institution can help you with the application process. 

There is also extensive self‑help material on finding balance in your studies, as well as more tips and advice, at studenthälsa.se. 

It’s easy to feel inadequate when you can’t keep up with others, but your experience is real and valid. Setting boundaries is not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of insight and strength. Try to be kind to yourself and notice judgmental thoughts. A helpful way to think more self‑compassionately is to ask yourself: “What would my best friend say?” 

I hope this answer gives you somewhere to start. 

Lic. Psychotherapist/ Student Health Counselor