Keeping up with three or four classes worth of work can be confusing. The best way to keep all of your due dates and readings straight is to make a weekly calendar or to do list. As you finish assignments, cross them off and celebrate! By tracking your progress, you know exactly what needs to be done by when, so you can still have free time. Try organizing the list by priority. Small assignments due earlier are always good to get out of the way, so that you can focus your time on the larger, more important ones.
We all know the line, “It’s college; you’re here to learn.” It’s true, but we also need to have some fun, right? But in order to actually have fun, we have to take care of our schoolwork first. No one wants the dreaded “I’m going to yank you out of school, if you don’t get your grades up” phone call from your parents. For freshmen, finding that balance between work and play can be a little bit of a struggle. There is no trick. Just have some common sense, like don’t go out if you have a test the next morning. If you have an assignment due, finish it before hanging out with your friends. You know this already, right?
The biggest thing I have learned in my three years here has been to make the most out of your day. Instead of napping between classes, work on homework, start your paper or do the assigned reading. Once night rolls around, not only will your work be done, but you won’t feel guilty about ignoring your assignments.
Surviving college isn’t as complicated as some make it out to be. Find an organization technique that works for you, outline due dates and exam schedules ahead of time, and use your time wisely. Most importantly, find your balance. This is the only time in our lives that we can live like this. In four years (for you lucky freshmen), we will be working nine to five jobs right along with our parents, so enjoy your time here! The work you do will help you get a job after graduation and the fun you have will make sure you don’t drive yourself crazy.
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Dana Nicholson is a senior majoring in public relations. She loves the Ducks, the Giants, her home in San Francisco, anything to do with clothes and fashion and has a mild obsession with Rachel Zoe. She loves beautiful things in life and believes that you can find beauty anywhere if you want to. Find her on Twitter and Pinterest, and check out her blog and portfolio.