Soft Life Dreams, Student Reality

The “soft life” trend has exploded online, with dreamy mornings, matcha lattes, and cozy

routines everywhere. It promises a slower, calmer way of living, a break from the busyness

and stress of everyday life. The focus on self-care and taking time for yourself is appealing,

but is the idea of a soft life simply too good to be true? Are we risking falling behind in “real

life” by enjoying slow evenings? Can we really embrace a relaxed lifestyle while juggling

lectures, part-time jobs, and endless deadlines? And could taking time out now actually

backfire, causing burnout later?

Part of the appeal of the soft life is escapism. University can feel relentless with early

lectures and endless deadlines, often with no break in sight. The soft life offers a vision of

calm and control, a chance to slow down and focus on yourself. It’s also tied to mental health awareness: students are increasingly recognising the importance of balance, self-care, and taking moments to stop and recharge. Seeing curated posts of cozy mornings and mindful routines makes the idea feel achievable, even if only for a moment.

In reality, fully living the soft life is challenging for most students. Lectures and assignments don’t pause for a slow morning or a self-care ritual, and the picture-perfect routines online often ignore the stress and chaos that come with university life. To truly benefit from the slow life, it’s about finding a balance, incorporating snippets of the soft life that fit around responsibilities rather than a complete lifestyle change. Journaling for ten minutes or a face mask before bed can bring some of the benefits without falling behind on coursework or work commitments. In this sense, students can enjoy pieces of the soft life, even amid the chaos of deadlines and exams.

Edited by Abi Hall