Exam next week, quiz in two weeks, and a meeting in two days. With the school year in full swing and exams already underway, it’s hard to figure out the key to balancing everything from keeping good grades, staying involved in student organizations, and maintaing strong friendships as a college student. With a busy schedule, I’ve picked up habits as a full-time college student and adapted my schedule to balance school and a social life.
- Add Everything to a Calendar
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A habit I’ve learned in college to stay organized and prioritize my friendships is adding everything to a calendar. I stay on top of my classes, assignments, social hangouts, and campus involvements by adding everything to its own color-coordinated calendar. Whether you prefer to use Apple or Google Calendar, it’s easy to sort different commitments into their own separate color-themed calendar (clubs, classes, exams, hangouts) that you’re able to see at a glance.
I personally put all my events into my Apple Calendar as soon as I receive specific exam dates from my classes, club meeting dates, and important assignment deadlines. Using a calendar or starting to use a physical planner is a great way to stay organized, improve time management, and effectively balance school and social life schedules without feeling burnt out or overwhelmed at the end of a busy week.
- Walking Around Campus with Friends
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After class, homework, or general study sessions at Strozier Library, a good routine I’ve adapted to is going on walks around campus. I find it important to take breaks from studying or unwind after class, and it’s become a perfect way to fit socializing with friends into my daily routine. Specifically, going on walks around FSU’s campus and scheduling with friends has become a good way to clear my head, reset, and catch up with friends while staying active.
- Study Date at Local Coffee Shops
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If you want to be academically productive while also spending quality time with your friends, another habit I include in my schedule is study dates at local coffee shops with friends. Scheduling specific dates and times to study with friends has quickly become my favorite weekly hangout.
Visiting coffee shops to get a latte or sweet treat while studying is my favorite way to feel productive and explore Tallahassee while catching up with friends. My favorite coffee shops local to FSU include The Frother’s Daughter, which is about a mile from campus, and Patchwork Coffee, which is across the street from Landis Green.
- Group Study Sessions at the Library
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Along the lines of studying with friends, if you don’t want to go off campus, a study date at the library is just as effective. Some of the best bonding moments with my friends have included long study sessions at Strozier or Dirac Library in one of the many study rooms you can book online.
Making social plans with the intention of either studying together for the same class, planning out future schedules, or quizzing one another for upcoming exams is a great way I maintain my close friendships while prioritizing my academics.
Even though managing busy college schedules while prioritizing meaningful friendships can be difficult and borderline stressful at times, it’s possible. Through good time management and finding opportunities to prioritize academics in everyday social settings, FSU students can find a balance to have the best of both worlds!
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