How to Balance Workload as a College Student
As a college student, we have got so much happening in our lives. From navigating independence to studying for exams, we must balance our load in order to prevent burnout. It can be a lot as a student! Let’s navigate how to balance our busy college lives while protecting our mental health.
Using A Planner
With the ongoing projects and homework, the amount of to-dos can pile up inside our heads. It’s important as a college student to keep a calendar or planner so you are up-to-date with deadlines.
Some popular ways to keep a planner include Google Calendar, Notion, using a physical calendar, and more. Find the way that works best for you and your scheduling preferences.
Plan for Self Care Time
One of the best pieces of advice we could give–carve out time in your calendar for self care! Without proper prioritization, students can forget that self care time can help them feel refreshed and can lessen stress.
What does self care time look like for you? It might be your typical face mask and movie night, or it might be a social event with your friends! What recharges you after a day of working? Make sure to plan this in your calendar so that you can live a balanced life as a college student while still getting good grades.
Find Your Study Spot
Our brains get accustomed to locations, such as bed=sleep, desk=studying, etc. If we were to do all of our studying on our bed, our brain would probably have trouble focusing and locking in. That’s why it’s important to try different study spots and distinguish which spots are for studying, which are for socializing, etc.
When trying to pick a spot for studying, it’s important to cater to your individual study habits. Do you study well in a social setting? Do you need silence to study? Try out different locations and see what works best for you!
Have Friends to Hold You Accountable
Your friends and family want you to succeed! Therefore, don’t hesitate reaching out if you need help. For example, you might need someone there while you’re studying so you don’t get distracted. What can your loved ones do to support you as you’re trying to balance your workload?
Use Campus Resources
Here at Sonoma State, we have tons of resources that are aimed at helping students feel successful. These include:
- Learning and Academic Resource Center (LARC) that helps tutor/mentor students
- TRIO Student Support Services that can academically council and support first-generation students, income-eligible students, or students with disabilities
- Dreamers Resources Empowerment Advocacy Mentoring (DREAM) Center that supports the development of undocumented students and students from mixed-status families
- Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) that can be a resource when things seem overwhelming
You are going to learn so many skills regarding time management, balance, and more as a busy college student. Remember, you are not alone! One step at a time.