College is hard, it’s no secret. No matter what you’re studying, you are bound to have weeks where you have so much work to get done that you barely have time to sleep, let alone hang out with friends or work. However, college is also very expensive, especially in a city like Boston, so having a job during the school year is a necessity for a lot of students. Tuition, groceries, textbooks, and even socializing are all expenses a lot of college students, including myself, face. But how are we supposed to handle a job on top of classes and homework? While it may seem daunting, it is possible.
Plan Plan Plan
When it comes to balancing work and school, my planner is my best friend. There are so many different layouts of planners out there, so find one that works for you. Whether it is bright and colorful or minimalistic, I suggest finding one that gives you space to plan out each individual week. Start by simply writing out your class and work schedule, so that you can see what free time you have to do homework. You can then go through each class and write exactly what assignments you are going to do each day. But remember, a planner is only helpful if you actually follow through with your plan. Try to make it a point to check your planner every morning so you don’t end up having to scramble in the ten minutes between work and class to complete an assignment you forgot about.
Don’t Overbook Yourself
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned when trying to balance work and school is not to over book myself. If you are an overachiever and a people pleaser, it is only natural to want to pick up that extra shift at work, or say yes to getting lunch with that friend, but I am here to tell you it is okay to say no. Even though you may have a few spare hours in your schedule, that doesn’t mean you need to fill it. Things happen; trains are late, we sleep through our alarms, and forget things at home. Give yourself time so that if those things do happen, you’ll have no reason to panic.
Self Care
As cheesy as it sounds, practicing self care is the most important tip to ensure that you are always doing your best in both school and at work. Budget self care into your schedule and write it in your planner. This doesn’t mean you have to spend hours pampering yourself, rather it could just be watching one episode of your favorite show at the end of a long day, doing your skin care routine before bed, or waking up a little bit early to yoga before heading off to work. Whatever it may be, taking care of yourself should be a top priority. Also, remember that it is okay to take a day off every once in a while. Work hard, but don’t forget to relax and have fun too. You are doing great!