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How to Master the Great Balancing Act of College

Her Campus Placeholder Avatar Sammantha Norris
Maty Swartz
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WVWC chapter.

Every college or university hosts an organization fair that manages to suck in freshman and convince them to sign up for everything, including Young Democrats, Young Republicans and Students against Political Affiliation. Organizations like these, and others, are a wonderful way for new freshman to find their footing on campus and make friends who aren’t their roommate or Resident Assistant.

At first it will seem like a great idea to be part of ten different things, until the school year finally gets into full swing. The first two weeks of classes are generally the easiest, so it’s hard to imagine that someday you’ll have to choose between class and clubs (here’s a hint: class comes first). Socializing is important to a healthy, happy life, but school is just as important. 

Org fairs: don’t let them suck you too far in.

However, no one should focus too much on school that they forget how to live. We’re all paying tuition and book costs to get a good education, but don’t let that stand in the way of you taking a chance. The key is balance.

Time-management is a word that gets thrown around all the time, but I’ll give you an inside secret: no one has mastered the art of this. Upperclassmen just tend to fake it a lot better. Here are some helpful hints to stay balanced and enjoy all of college: 

1. Get a planner. Seriously, if you don’t have one, go to Walmart right now and buy one.

2. Don’t join too many things. You can’t fully put yourself into 10 different groups and classes while retaining your sanity. It just doesn’t happen.

3. Make designated study hours. This way you know that every Tuesday at noon you’ll study and finish your homework. Your grade will thank you at the end of the semester.

4. Prioritize. What’s the most important to you, cheerleading or volunteering? No matter what the answer, just ensure that those you care about the most get the most time.

5. Have fun. You’ll only be an undergrad for four years, so make the most of it. Don’t let the little things stress you out. In the words of Taylor Swift, “shake it off.” 

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I am a sophomore Political Science student at West Virginia Wesleyan College. I love writing about the human experience in college and giving advice.
Maty Swartz

WVWC '18

Maty recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from West Virginia Wesleyan College (WVWC), and she couldn’t be more excited to return to the Her Campus family as a member of the Community Team.  Maty’s passion for writing has guided her through most of her adult life, and it eventually brought her to to the Her Campus Chapter Network as a Style Blogger for Her Campus WVWC. Maty would go on to become Campus Correspondent of her chapter, as well as an intern for Her Campus National and a Chapter Advisor.  Through her different roles at HC, Maty quickly fell in love with the mission and purpose of the Her Campus Chapter Network—and in her new role, Maty has the rare and coveted opportunity to do what she loves on a daily basis by working with a growing network of 360+ college chapters.    When Maty isn’t at the office, she’s usually out exploring, cooking some random recipe she found on Pinterest, or cuddling with her adorable corgi, Winnie.  Follow Maty on Twitter and Instagram !