Campus Club ambassador Kian Kai shares how he balances school, actuarial exam prep, and his personal life with a sustainable routine. Check out his practical tips for avoiding burnout, studying smarter, and staying consistent.
Balancing school, actuarial exams, and personal life is one of the biggest challenges aspiring actuaries face. Early on, I believed balance meant doing everything perfectly: excelling academically, studying nonstop, and still having time to rest. I quickly learned that balance is not about perfection but about intention and sustainability.
Balancing School, Personal Time, and Exam Prep
At university, coursework already demands consistent effort. Adding actuarial exam preparation on top of that can feel overwhelming if everything is treated as equally urgent. What helped me most was learning to prioritize based on impact.
I plan my weeks around fixed commitments like classes and deadlines, then schedule focused study blocks for exam preparation. Instead of studying for long hours, I aim for shorter, high-quality sessions where I am fully present and intentional.
I’ve found that when I neglect my personal life, my productivity and motivation suffer in the long run.
Equally important is protecting time outside of academics. For me, this includes exercising regularly, volunteering, and staying connected with friends. These are not distractions; they help me reset mentally and avoid burnout.
I’ve found that when I neglect my personal life, my productivity and motivation suffer in the long run.
Studying Smarter for the Long Run
As a senior student in my school’s actuarial science programme, I often share this mindset with juniors. Many feel pressured to constantly be “doing more.” I encourage them to use structured resources like Adapt from Coaching Actuaries, which makes studying more efficient and reduces unnecessary stress. Studying smarter creates space for rest without guilt.
Studying smarter creates space for rest without guilt.
Balance also evolves with time. There are weeks when exams take priority and others when personal commitments need more attention. Being flexible and forgiving with yourself is key. Consistency matters more than intensity.
Ultimately, the actuarial journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Learning how to balance school, studying, and personal life early on has helped me stay motivated, healthy, and confident, and it’s a skill that will matter long after exams are over.
About the Author
Kian Kai is a Year 3 undergraduate at Singapore Management University (SMU), pursuing a degree in economics with a second major in actuarial science. He is actively working toward professional actuarial exams while interning in actuarial-related roles, and he currently serves as a Coaching Actuaries Campus Ambassador. He also holds leadership roles within the SMU Actuarial Science Club and is involved in community initiatives that support seniors in the neighborhood. Outside of academics, he enjoys strength training at the gym and swimming.