Between classes, homework, working, taking care of friendships, and trying to keep my apartment in a livable state, I sometimes wonder how there are only 24 hours in a day.
I think that being a college student is just one big balancing act. You’re expected to do well in your classes, make money, have a social life, and still find time to eat, sleep, and take care of yourself. It can definitely feel impossible to do all of it without sacrificing something along the way.
As someone who works a more time-consuming on-campus job, maintains all A’s in my classes, and still manages to have a social life, I think I’ve got a pretty good system figured out.
Thankfully, it doesn’t involve waking up at 5am everyday or giving up my weekends.
My secret… I plan out literally everything.
Since the beginning of my sophomore year, I’ve worked as a Student Ambassador at BGSU. My job involves a little bit of everything. I work the front desk, help with lesson planning, TA classes, help run events, and table events around campus.
I genuinely love my job, but it definitely can take up a big chunk of my time. Between working and being a full-time student, my schedule can get packed quickly.
And while I love being involved on campus, I also love spending time with my friends, going out, and having days where I do absolutely nothing and watch movies with my roommate.
I want to try to avoid my whole college experience revolving around working and doing homework. To avoid this I’ve had to figure out how to make time for everything without constantly worrying that I’m falling behind.
Mondays are for planning.
Most people have Sunday resets… I have Monday planning sessions.
Every Monday I sit down, open Canvas, and write down literally every single assignment, quiz, discussion post, and exam I have coming up that week.
Oh and I mean EVERYTHING. If it’s on Canvas, it’s on my list.
Once I’ve finished writing down all my deadlines I’ll start planning out the days I’m actually going to complete the assignments. Because lets be honest… Just because an assignment is due on a Sunday does not mean that I’ll find the motivation to do it right before 11:59.
But I don’t just stop there.
I plan out my laundry, cleaning, errands, and even when I’ll make time to hang out with friends. Everything has a time slot for a day during the week.
And, I get excited to cross off “buy groceries” every week!
It may seem like a little much, but it helps me stay organized and not become stressed about worrying about what I may have forgotten.
I’m not saying everyone needs to schedule their laundry days like I do, but finding a routine that works for you can make college feel so much less overwhelming.
At the end of the day, I don’t think college students should have to choose between good grades, making money, and having fun.
And if spending 20 minutes every Monday planning out my week means I can do all three, I’ll gladly continue being the girl who puts “hang out with friends” on her to-do list.