How to Balance School and a Social Life
Balancing a higher education and a social life takes effort and commitment, but it is something you need to learn to do if you want to succeed. All it takes is a little effort and some planning, and you can enjoy both aspects of school even more than you would if you were to pursue one at the expense of the other.
Plan for Success
Your plan for success in college should start by organizing your social life around your academic life. This means that school should be your top priority, and that socializing comes after your work is done. Easier said than done, right? Of course there will be times when you have to rearrange your study plans to coincide with events in your social life. But, if you stay committed to your academic success, enjoying exceptions won't take you too far off course. Make a study schedule and stick to it. Try to complete assignments sooner rather than later, just in case something unforeseen comes up.
Don't Get Overwhelmed
Make a conscious decision to not let school work overwhelm you. Plot your weekly schedule accordingly, as you'll most likely have small gaps between classes during the week, and more free time on the weekends. Focus on the small gaps – it's here that you can get a lot of school work done, leaving the weekends free for socializing. Designate at least one large chuck of time each week (such as a Saturday) for free time.
Make Goals for Yourself
Figure out what your academic, extracurricular, and personal goals are, and exactly what you need to accomplish these things. How much time can you realistically commit to socializing? Are you looking to expand your social network or start exercising? Are you planning on joining a sorority or fraternity? By setting goals and addressing these questions, you will be much more likely to follow through with them and accomplish your tasks on time.
Don't Procrastinate
Procrastination is one of the main downfalls of many college students. Stick to that schedule, and never put off till tomorrow an assignment or activity you can accomplish today. By setting prioritized goals, you will be less likely to procrastinate.
Manage your time
Do you have a time of day when you're most productive? Maybe you're a morning person, and accomplish more in the early hours of the day, or vice versa. Use the times when you have less energy to work on less challenging tasks, and you'll notice that you get more done throughout the day by implementing this strategy into your time management plan.
It takes a delicate balance of social life and academics to be successful in college. Keeping your goals and priorities in mind may be the best incentive to keeping a healthy balance between work and school. Flunking out of college is no fun, and can leave a lasting impression for the rest of your life.
Article Resources:
Work Life Balancewww.worklifebalance.com
Web MD
http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/5-strategies-for-life-balance
Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/work-life-balance/WL00056
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