Maria
How can I balance being a good student, extra curriculars, and working?
#balance # #time-management
4 answers
Neeraj Menon
Neeraj’s Answer
This question resonates with me because I've spent countless hours trying to read answers that might somehow streamline my "process" or motivate me to do things. Here is the thing I've learnt. If you're happy with one of the answers (like this one) that you recieve, do not waste more time looking for what other people have to say. At the end of the day you decide how to ration your 24 hours among your various responsibilites.
Neeraj recommends the following next steps:
Laura LaFrance
Laura’s Answer
Great question!
When I attended college, I took a full course-load, worked 30-40 hours per week and was involved in a sorority that was very active in volunteer work. It was crazy hard but worth every moment. I think the key is to be present where you are. When you are in class or studying --you are learning, you aren't worried about your work schedule or your extracurriculars. Same deal for work, when I worked, I was working and not thinking about school or extracurriculars.
I sought balance many ways-no step was more important than another step:
1) Making sure my employer knew my course schedule. I made sure to complete work shifts in one segment that was after or before ALL my classes or on weekends. I didn't split shifts. I tried that and it was chaotic.
2) For my extracurriculars, I made sure I only committed to events where I could be totally committed. So if there was a sorority volunteer event that would overlap work, I would forgo that opportunity and chose something else. The sorority knew my course work load as well as the fact that I was working full time. They appreciated the fact that when I was in attendance, I was fully engaged.
3) I used a calendar to make sure I blocked of study time (individual and group) per class so I would make sure I chunked it out and avoided "cramming" for any test, paper, lab etc.
It was hard work. It helped me improve my organizational skills --which you need in any job. It also, taught me how to keep a healthy work/life balance over the years. Most importantly, it was great practice to be "present" in whatever situation I find myself.
Good luck!
Sheila Jordan
Sheila’s Answer
Hello Maria: This is an excellent question. . . When my 2 young adults were in high school and college they balanced their clubs affiliations, travel abroad, part-time work, homework, volunteerism, etc. as follows:
1) Generate a calendar (ie, wall or phone app) of all your events, activities, and work schedule
2) Review your activities 2x per day; 1x at night, and 1x in the morning to ensure nothing has changed
3) Work on activities that are rapidly coming due
4) Study between classes, free time, and when you get home (ie, log on to school sites for lessons, exercises, homework, talk to instructors, etc.)
5) Use good Time Management (ie, meaning - use your time wisely)
Good Luck to You!
Nada L
Nada’s Answer
Great question! Juggling university/college and a part-time job is a challenge, but with the right approach, you can find a balance.
Here are some tips:
1. Scheduling
* Unified Calendar + Prioritise: Use a single calendar (digital or paper) to track and prioritise everything - classes, study time, work shifts, assignments, social events, and even personal appointments. This gives you a bird's-eye view of your commitments + ability to decide what needs your attention first. Sometimes, social events or less important tasks need to be moved.
* Time Blocking: Allocate specific times for studying, working, and relaxing. Be realistic about how long tasks take.
* Build in Buffer Time: Don't schedule yourself back-to-back. Unexpected things happen, and you'll need time to adjust.
2. Communicate Effectively
* Talk to Your Employer: Be upfront about your student status and availability. Most employers are understanding, especially if you're reliable and give them advance notice of exam periods or busy weeks.
* Connect with Professors: If you're struggling to balance workload, talk to your professors. They might have advice or be flexible with deadlines in certain situations.
* Keep Friends and Family Informed: Let your loved ones know when you have peak study or work periods so they can support you.
3. Optimize Your Study Habits
* Active Recall: Use techniques like flashcards or summarizing information from memory to learn more effectively in less time.
* Dedicated Study Space: Create a distraction-free environment where you can focus.
* Study in Short Bursts: Instead of marathon study sessions, try shorter, focused bursts with breaks in between. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes on, 5 minutes off) can be helpful.
4. Maximize Your Time
* Use Downtime Wisely: Review notes on the bus, listen to podcasts while you walk, or use your lunch break to get ahead on reading.
* Limit Distractions: Put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" while studying. Use website blockers to avoid social media black holes.
* Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together (e.g., running errands, responding to emails) to increase efficiency.
5. Prioritize Self-Care _ IMPORTANT
* Sleep is Non-Negotiable: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's essential for focus, memory, and overall well-being.
* Make Time for Exercise: Even short bursts of activity can boost your energy and mood.
* Healthy Eating: Fuel your body with nutritious foods to maintain energy levels and concentration.
* Social Connection: Schedule time for friends and fun to avoid burnout.
6. Regularly Review and Adjust
What works for one semester might not work for the next. Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule and strategies as needed. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek support from your university's student services or counseling center.
Entering the workforce is an exciting new chapter + its a journey! Embrace the challenges, changes, celebrate the successes, and remember to prioritize your well-being. You've got this!