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CSU Fullerton | Life > Academics

The College Glow-Up You Didn’t Know You Needed: Healing Your Relationship With Time

Natalyn Yang Student Contributor, California State University, Fullerton
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CSU Fullerton chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
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When students think about a glow-up, it usually means new hair, better skincare, or a refreshed wardrobe. But one of the most underrated glow-ups has nothing to do with appearances — it’s about learning how to heal your relationship with time.

Between classes, work, friendships, and endless to-do lists, time can feel like the biggest enemy in college. Running late, procrastinating, or pulling all-nighters may seem like part of the “college experience,” but underneath it all is a deeper issue: a broken relationship with time that often leads to burnout and self-doubt.

Why Time Feels So Scarce

Many students grow up believing that being “busy” equates to being successful. But this constant chase creates a scarcity mindset: there’s never enough time, I’m always behind, I’ll never catch up. The more this cycle repeats, the more it eats away at something even bigger — self-trust.

Every time a student promises themselves they’ll wake up earlier, start their assignments ahead of schedule, or stay on top of deadlines, but doesn’t follow through, it feels like letting themselves down. Over time, that guilt weighs heavier than the missed homework itself.

The Shift: Seeing Time as a Teammate

The good news? Healing a relationship with time is possible, and it doesn’t require a full-on lifestyle overhaul. Instead, it starts with small, intentional steps:

  • Start small. Swap drastic promises for micro-habits, like showing up five minutes earlier or sticking to one simple nightly routine.
  • Romanticize the basics. Make ordinary moments feel special — light a candle before studying, put on a cozy playlist while cleaning, or sip a latte while journaling.
  • Redefine productivity. Productivity doesn’t mean checking off 20 tasks. It means aligning your day with what actually matters to you.
  • Practice self-forgiveness. Everyone slips up. Instead of spiraling, remember that progress is a process — not perfection.

The Bigger Picture

When students stop fighting against time and start working with it, everything feels lighter. Suddenly, there’s space for rest, balance, and priorities that actually matter.

A simple question to keep in mind? Am I betraying my future self, or am I making her proud?

That’s the ultimate college glow-up — not just looking put together on the outside, but building trust, balance, and peace on the inside.

✨ HerCampus knows: the real glow-ups are the ones that last long after graduation. ✨

Natalyn Yang

CSU Fullerton '26

Natalyn Yang is a senior at California State University, Fullerton, majoring in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations. As a transfer student, she has embraced the opportunities CSUF offers, from coursework that strengthens her writing and strategic skills to leadership in student organizations. She currently serves as Programs and Events Director for Her Campus at CSUF, where she helps organize creative, empowering events for students and builds community through storytelling.

Her professional background includes nonprofit work with where she gained experience in community outreach, digital communications, and event coordination. She has also been involved with PRSSA at CSUF, where she gained valuable experience collaborating with peers and professionals. Her time in the organization helped her develop a stronger work ethic, sharpen her communication skills, and better understand the professional world of public relations. These experiences not only shaped her academic journey but also deepened her motivation to pursue opportunities that combine creativity, organization, and strategy.

Beyond academics and campus leadership, Natalyn is an aspiring public relations professional passionate about connecting communities and fostering meaningful dialogue. She takes pride in her Hmong heritage, finding inspiration in her family’s resilience and history. Guided by authenticity and a desire to grow, she is determined to build a career that reflects her values and uplifts others along the way.