School/Life Balance: How to Enjoy Your College Experience

You’ve probably heard the phrase “work/life balance” plenty of times, but there’s another part to the equation for college students—school. If you’re a full-time student, it can be difficult to manage a hectic school schedule and a social life. Your time is spread even thinner if you also have a part- or full-time job. Tweak your lifestyle to create a healthier school/life balance and truly enjoy your college experience by following these tips.

• Create a study routine: Keeping class and work schedules in mind, set aside a block of study time every day. The amount of time you allot to studying may vary depending on your workload that week. Still, the start time should be as non-negotiable as an important appointment.
• Take breaks: Perhaps you do better studying in short bursts rather than one chunk of time each day. Play around with your need to take breaks to find a method that works for you.
• Make time for social activities: If you stick to your study schedule, you should have time throughout the week to hang out with friends, call home, and participate in the extracurricular activities you’re passionate about.
• Combine study time and social time: Ask your classmates if they’re interested in meeting up to complete homework together or study for midterms. Study groups are a great way to enjoy much-needed social interaction while still getting assignments done.
• Give yourself a bedtime: Go to bed and get up at the same time every day—yes, even on the weekends. Getting enough sleep makes everything in your waking hours go more smoothly. You’ll find that it’s easier to concentrate and be more productive during your study hours when you’re well-rested, leaving time to relax or socialize.
• Incorporate exercise into your daily routine: Do you struggle to exercise every day? There are ways to remain physically active without carving out a chunk of time to work out. For instance, you may walk or bike to class, do laps around the library when you need a break from studying, or join a school sports team. Whatever form it takes, staying physically active is important for both physical and mental health during college.
• Embrace convenient food options: When you’re crunched for time, cooking an elaborate meal may not be an option. Still, you don’t need to resort to candy bars and cereal. With convenient options like grocery delivery, meal prep/delivery services, and ready-to-eat meals, you can keep your diet on the up-and-up while still simplifying your routine and saving time.
• Reward yourself: No one’s perfect, so when you stick to your schedule and meet all your goals for the week, you deserve some praise! Plan small treats for yourself to help you stay motivated and prevent burnout.

College is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you want to enjoy to the fullest! For a great education and engaging social opportunities, consider enrolling at ASA College. Visit our website or call today for more information about our academic programs.