How do you keep up with college classes? How do you fit in a social life?
By Elizabeth Demeis
Time management is the most critical skill for a college student to have. Finding balance is all about time management.
Craft your schedule
One of the great things about college is that you can make your class schedule. If you know taking classes back-to-back will stress you out, aim to spread out your class times. Or cluster classes if you like longer stretches of open time. Make a schedule that works for you, realizing that some classes may only be offered once every couple of years, so you need to be somewhat flexible. Make a schedule that works as well as it can for you. Talk to your advisor about class schedules and any concerns you have. Your advisor will be happy to help.
Get it all in one place
Take the first couple of weeks to know your schedule and start planning around it. Keep a calendar with classes, assignments, work, and appointments. It allows you to see your plans and hopefully prevent double-booking surprises. It also helps you see when you have free time. Something about seeing that free time makes me feel better.
Know yourself
I wake up earlier than I need to every morning because I don’t like rushing. I like to read and sip my coffee in the morning, so I make time, even if it’s just 30 minutes. I get anxious about arriving at class on time, so I come to campus early. Sometimes, I hang out in the classroom and start on something until enough people are there where I can talk and feel social. Other times, I run to the lounge to be social or try to work quietly.
Value the breaks
I don’t mind having an hour-long break in the middle of the day to eat lunch and relax. It’s essential to eat and drink water. Take the time, even 15 minutes, to have a bite to eat and drink some water. Try not to do work during that time either. You can spare the time, and a short break can do wonders for the brain. Take time to eat dinner, too, to take a break and check in with yourself. Taking a night off is okay, especially if you need it. Time to yourself is a way to avoid burnout.
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Time for fun
There are many fun activities on campus. Don’t be afraid to take a few moments or a few hours and go to one. If you have friends or a roommate to go with, all the better. It’s also okay to say no if you need some alone time. Some parts of the semester are easier to socialize in than others. After midterms and finals are great times to go out and have fun.
Finish early
I aim to finish my homework due Monday and Tuesday by Sunday night. Getting things done early gives me time to do work that’s due Thursday and Friday without too much worry. If I’m feeling on my game, I’ll try to finish my reading for the rest of the week. If I have a paper due by the end of the week, I try to start it at least a week in advance. If nothing else, making an outline, pulling quotes, and having a plan for the paper gives me something to jump into when I work on it. Learn how you work best and get into that groove. It’s not always easy, but it is worth it.
Livin’ for the weekend
The weekend is a great time to be social. I like going to my parents’ house nearby for Sunday dinner. They eat early in the afternoon, so I can get work done in the morning and at night. I try to enjoy my time with them without worrying about school. Saturdays are a good time to go out with friends. If we go out in the afternoon, I know the morning is a good time to get things done. If we’re not going out until night, the rest of the day is for work.
Move it
Break up long study sessions. This can be the time to do some chores; physical activity helps. You could also go to the gym or walk if that’s important to you.
Check it off
I like to keep a to-do list of assignments on a sticky note on my laptop. Checking them off, even small things, makes me feel good. I need the visual reminder. I have friends who keep track of everything in paper planners. Find whatever way works for you so you don’t forget when something is due.
Stay on top of your work
Don’t get behind in your classes. Talk to your professor if you’re struggling with the reading or when you are confused about an assignment, instead of waiting. They aren’t trying to be confusing or mean. Also, it’s okay to ask questions in class about assignments; other people in the room likely wonder the same thing.
Juggling a job
Staying on top of things becomes even more important if you have a job. Don’t try to do too much. Do small activities like a quick lunch with a friend if you can. It allows you to feel social but doesn’t take too much time. The time between classes can become even more important for studying.
In short, try to find time for fun, breaks, and making daily progress on coursework. Remember to get enough sleep, eat, and drink water. If you’re struggling, speak with your professors, use campus resources for help, and speak to a friend. You’re not alone. And know that each day is a fresh start.
Elizabeth Demeis is a senior transfer student majoring in English and museums, archives, and public history. Her favorite place to hang out is the history, politics, and law lounge on the 4th floor of GAC.
