College, especially at more competitive schools, can feel overwhelming. The push to get a job, internship, or go to every networking event while also attending every club meeting and balancing an entire friend group is suffocating. I think it’s worth questioning where the value we place on overworking ourselves comes from.
As a student myself, I also question how I should use my time in college. Do I want to focus on my future career? Maybe prioritize friendships? Pursuing non-academic passions? It is confusing. I think this confusion drives many students to do the most.
When there’s no time to think, there’s no time to stress. So, rather than sit with the discomfort of future uncertainty, it’s easier to act like it doesn’t exist by giving ourselves no time to dwell on it. I personally fill my time with homework, readings, catching up with friends, and researching future jobs. From my own personal experience, I can confidently say this way of life isn’t productive for everyone.
First, if a dense schedule makes you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone. It’s perfectly normal to feel lonely, tired, and sad. This is simply a sign that your current routine may be draining. In that realization, it’s important to prioritize yourself.
For me, prioritizing myself means watching my favorite TV show, eating Drizzilicious, and calling family from home. For others, it may look like painting, reading, going to the gym, or listening to music. Regardless, finding an activity that makes you feel at home or balanced can lead to a happier, healthier weekly routine.
Of course, assignments may pile up, and you may find yourself needing to look for an internship or new job. In those cases, keep balancing your time. Give yourself permission to relax and to text a friend.
I think we often forget that college isn’t only about career preparation; it’s the time to discover who you are, what you enjoy, and how to live independently as a young adult. There’s no blueprint for how to spend the next four years. Some people may graduate with an impressive internship and a long list of extracurriculars. Others may have a strong group of friends and a large network. Most of us will do some combination of both.
The point isn’t to do everything. It’s to do what makes us better people while staying present. Maybe the most productive thing you can do this week isn’t attending another business event, but to reach out to a friend for dinner or stay in and watch a movie.
Opportunities will still await you tomorrow.
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