Written by Eva Timmons
You could say it’s ironic that I have decided to write this article, when the topic is something I
have struggled with myself since starting college. I’m no expert but from an outsider’s perspective it
seems that I juggle my college work, part-time job, social life, friendships, and relationships quite
efficiently. In reality, an app consisting of 378 notes including to-do lists and scattered thoughts as well as
a constantly racing brain is all that is keeping my schedule afloat! Alas, I will try my best to advise you on
the best ways to manage your time in college.
It’s important to remember that although it is great to be productive with your time in college, it is also
vital that you take advantage of your indomitable adolescent years! You will never have so much free
time, freedom, and so little responsibilities for the rest of your life! So have the lie in, skip the occasional
class to see your friends in another city (maybe this is bad advice!), and take it easy. Don’t be hard on
yourself while you navigate these transformative years of your life.
In terms of balancing your commitments, my advice is simple. Prioritise the things that fill up your cup! If
going to the gym soothes your stress, make that a priority everyday. If you know that football training
every week is draining you and is not enjoyable anymore, quit!
I know it’s not as easy as it sounds. People have commitments and can feel the weight of their
obligations. But being in college comes with a lot of socialising and less ME time, so it’s important that
when you have alone time, you are spending it doing something that you enjoy.
In this new age of “clean girl” energy, nights out are becoming less common! The trend of wearing mini
skirts and heavy makeup is disappearing. Instead of 3 am nights in the club, people are doing early
morning pilates. They’re ordering strawberry iced matcha instead of double vodkas. In my opinion, I
think you can absolutely do both. You can be locked in with your studies, while also going out and
making the most of your college freedom!
If you struggle to keep on top of your college work, I would advise that you keep lists. Whether that is a
physical, written list or in your notes app, they are imperative to keep you in check and to remind you of
important due dates.
I would also advise that you take advantage of all the resources you can find at DCU, the biggest one
being the library! Going to the library, with your friends or alone, is a great environment to “lock in” with
your college work and keep on top of things in a sociable environment.
I hope I have covered every avenue that may involve managing your time in college. I still struggle all the
time with juggling my part-time job, college work, navigating new friendships, and maintaining my pre-
established relationships. I try to prioritize the things that matter most in my life, because truly, that is all
you can do!
Eva