#wfufreshmenproblems: All Work and No Play Makes a Collegiette™ a Dull Girl

Hey there my fellow freshman, welcome back to Wake and happy 2012! How was your winter break? Mine was fun and relaxing … much more relaxing than what I'm used to at Wake. Let's just say the social scene in my small hometown doesn't really compare to the parties I attended first semester. But then again, can anything? 
 
Reflecting on all that has happened in the past 5 months, I have to admit, first semester was a blast. In fact, it was pretty much one big party. Not yet a part of a sorority, I was able to go where I wanted, when I wanted, etc.
 
But with the great new friends, parties and boys, it was easy to get wrapped up in the social life, whether that meant going out at night, or Pit-sitting for hours with my girls. First semester flew by so fast that I didn't realize I had begun to forget the real reason why I'm here. (At least, not until I checked WIN on December 21 and got a reminder ...)
 

I'm pretty sure I wasn't the only one who was a bit underwhelmed with her GPA. College grades are no joke, and the GPA we earn here at Wake is the one that's going to be on our real-life resume. But how is a Wake collegiette™, especially a freshman, supposed to focus on her grades when there's just so much going on around campus? 
 
Well, I'm a Libra, and to anyone unfamiliar with astrology, that means my personality is ruled by ‘the scales,’ i.e. I should have a better idea on how to balance my work with my beloved ‘play.’ So I sat down for a few and tried to brainstorm some ways that my school work and social life could reach a happy medium this semester. 
 
So here you have it: #wfufreshmenproblem's 5 Steps To Avoid Failing Out While Still Having a Social Life:
 

1. Find your own study sanctuary.
 
True ‘alone’ time in college can be a foreign entity, which is why it's really tempting to simply do work with your friends. Unfortunately, you may not realize that you're actually studying hot guys/facebook/renttherunway.com  instead of your notes for class. If you find your own study space, you can work quietly and stay focused for a longer period. Also, put headphones in, even if you're not listening to music—they can help drown out potential distractions. Plus, they make you at least look like you’re working!
 
2. Do your work the day it's assigned.
 
I had a block schedule in high school, so I thought this fact would be forever drilled into my brain. First semester here, however, I almost forgot it! Doing work the day it's assigned, rather than the morning it's due, lowers stress levels and keeps you feeling on top of things. With your work done, you'll have more time to socialize and truly enjoy yourself while doing it.