3 answers
Madison
Student
LaFayette, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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How do you balance college, work (full or part-time) and still be able to hangout with friends/family?
I am a sophomore in college, and I am struggling with balancing these three things. College and work seem to consume my whole day, every day.
#College #sophomore #marine-biology #struggle #part-time-job #NoSocialLife #work-life-balance
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3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1738
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Madison!
Short answer: Most people your age sacrifice on sleep to squeeze in everything else! But, this is not the recommended path to take.
When I was in school, I found that it was up to me to make the best use of my time. I learned to spend most of my time between classes getting my homework done, rather than just sitting around with friends/classmates. That way, when I was not on campus, I had more time for me. I also did not load up on classes, and instead took only 12 hrs per semester, plus summer school.
It could also be that you could find ways to spend less time studying. You could visit the campus study support offices to learn some of the better approaches to studying and time management. Or ask your friends how they do it.
It is actually very difficult to balance everything you are trying to squeeze in. In the end, it is all worth it, so please don't think you can let your grades slide, as that also is not a good idea! You do need some time to create memories, so you will look back on these years with fondness.
I wish you the best!
Kim
Short answer: Most people your age sacrifice on sleep to squeeze in everything else! But, this is not the recommended path to take.
When I was in school, I found that it was up to me to make the best use of my time. I learned to spend most of my time between classes getting my homework done, rather than just sitting around with friends/classmates. That way, when I was not on campus, I had more time for me. I also did not load up on classes, and instead took only 12 hrs per semester, plus summer school.
It could also be that you could find ways to spend less time studying. You could visit the campus study support offices to learn some of the better approaches to studying and time management. Or ask your friends how they do it.
It is actually very difficult to balance everything you are trying to squeeze in. In the end, it is all worth it, so please don't think you can let your grades slide, as that also is not a good idea! You do need some time to create memories, so you will look back on these years with fondness.
I wish you the best!
Kim
Herman Liu
Clinical Trial Management Associate
83
Answers
California, California
Updated
Herman’s Answer
Hi Madison,
Try prioritizing things, staying organized, and making a calendar. Committing to a set schedule can help you stay organized. I had this trouble too during college, while working and volunteering. I found it best to just be organized.
Best,
Herman
Try prioritizing things, staying organized, and making a calendar. Committing to a set schedule can help you stay organized. I had this trouble too during college, while working and volunteering. I found it best to just be organized.
Best,
Herman
Kyle Stack
Consultant
7
Answers
Nashville, Tennessee
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
Hey Madison,
I wanted to respond because I can very much relate to your situation right now. I am working full-time, and I am working on my post-graduate degree in law full-time. It makes having any social life or personal time extremely difficult!
My approach is to organize, organize, organize...I have all of my syllabi mapped out with reading assignments, homework due, test dates, and even study time laid out in my calendar. I also map out time for me to socialize and have personal time and a few points that I call "flex times". Flex times are times that I can use for extra studying if there's a little more work I need done studying or on an assignment, but if not, I can use for my own personal time.
You can also give yourself some leeway on subjects you're strong in because you know you won't need the extra study time. Be careful you don't overestimate your knowledge and fall behind in a subject though!
It is definitely a constant balancing act for sure, and you'll have to make decisions on what is most important to you. E.g., do you want to make sure you get that A in a given class/assignment, or would you be okay with a B and get a little social time with friends and family? Always remember that school is a temporary commitment. There are still summers, breaks, and holidays that you can capitalize on to get some social time logged as well.
Good luck!
I wanted to respond because I can very much relate to your situation right now. I am working full-time, and I am working on my post-graduate degree in law full-time. It makes having any social life or personal time extremely difficult!
My approach is to organize, organize, organize...I have all of my syllabi mapped out with reading assignments, homework due, test dates, and even study time laid out in my calendar. I also map out time for me to socialize and have personal time and a few points that I call "flex times". Flex times are times that I can use for extra studying if there's a little more work I need done studying or on an assignment, but if not, I can use for my own personal time.
You can also give yourself some leeway on subjects you're strong in because you know you won't need the extra study time. Be careful you don't overestimate your knowledge and fall behind in a subject though!
It is definitely a constant balancing act for sure, and you'll have to make decisions on what is most important to you. E.g., do you want to make sure you get that A in a given class/assignment, or would you be okay with a B and get a little social time with friends and family? Always remember that school is a temporary commitment. There are still summers, breaks, and holidays that you can capitalize on to get some social time logged as well.
Good luck!