In college, it is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of activities offered, and even easier to become overwhelmed with trying to do everything. The most important part of freshman year (and college) is to create a balanced schedule filled with everything you need to succeed and feel comfortable in your home away from home. Coming from someone who likes to be involved and active at all times, it is important to recognize your own boundaries and needs even when trying to push yourself to go out of your comfort zone!
Step One: Start with a small plate of activities you are most interested in outside of school, like clubs. These clubs could take up a majority of your time or a little bit of your time depending on how involved you want to be. As you become comfortable with your school work, push yourself to try new clubs or become more involved in the ones you find yourself most interested in. Most clubs are flexible with student schedules and participation – they are run by students who understand that sometimes it is too cold to walk to the meetings, or your teacher just assigned you to read a whole book in a night, or that you just are not in the mood to attend. Clubs are also a great way to meet more people and make friends.
Step Two: Go out! Have fun! Participate in MAP activities! Go shopping uptown! Buy ice cream! Step two is to live by doing what you enjoy the most. It is simple to become caught up in studying, attending class, and going to clubs, but you need to make sure to make time to care for yourself. For me, this takes the form of going on nature walks with my friends and walking uptown for ice cream. However, step two could be something as personal as sitting in your bed, eating chips and watching Netflix. Time spent how you love outside of resume additives and demanding teachers gives you a chance to check on yourself, your health, your happiness, and if you can add more or less to your schedule.
Step Three: Add more! If you are hungry for more, consider what you are hungry for: volunteering, starting a club, taking a class outside of your major, picking up a minor, a job. What is it you want? If it is something time intensive, do you have the time for it? Could you see yourself still making time for previously made commitments?
Step Four: A job in college can feel stressful especially when under pressure to make money, and do well in school. Some quick tips for those who want to add a job to their plate or are struggling to get work, clubs, and friends, in their rotation is to always work ahead in school. Finish school work immediately after receiving it, go to the library and sit there until it is finished. If you are not a library person, study for a test with your friends, study while you eat with them, or while they hang out.
Juggling activities is not great if you are not able to give each one a proper amount of your attention or even yourself the time you need to relax. That’s why starting small is the best advice I can give. When you start small you are able to figure out how hard your classes are, what you can handle, and what you are ready to become more involved in. The second piece of advice is to always get ahead in classes if possible. It will free up time later in the week for friends, clubs, and yourself. Moreover, it will take some of the stress off of your plate when you find out you have a test on Thursday and it is Wednesday. Finally, make study groups with your friends! It makes studying fun and immersive, plus you can all do your own thing while spending time together. Each person handles stress and anxiety of school, work, clubs, friends, or any type of involvement in their own way, but I hope some of these tips can help!