Between term papers, exams, part time jobs, internships and other extracurricular activities, I refuse to believe there is anyone busier than the average collegiette. The balancing act that is university can become especially difficult when all your responsibilities begin to pile up. As a result, making time for friends and family is often placed on the back burner. To avoid some uncomfortable situations here are some tips to keep everyone happy.
1. Get to know one another’s schedules
Comparing schedules with the people in your life is a great way to stay connected. Look for times whe you both have nothing to do and plan a quick catch up session. Even if it’s a quick coffee date between classes, taking advantage of these time slots will keep you in touch.
2. Plan ahead
With a busy schedule it’s important to plan ahead. If you’re due for a gossip session with your closest girlfriends make sure to add it to your agenda. This way you have something to look forward to during the week. According Chelsea Madsen Ph.D and licensed marriage and family therapist at the Wasatch Family Therapy, waiting to spend quality time with friends and family will likely leave you waiting forever.
3. Study dates
Study dates are great especially during exam season. It’s a great way to not only get some work done but also spend some quality time with the friends you’ve forgot about when you were drowning in all the papers you had to write before exams.
4. Send a text
Instead of scrolling through your Instagram feed send a quick text to check in with your peeps. It takes almost no time to do and lets your friends and family know you’re thinking about them despite the fact you’ve probably been up since 6AM and on your third cup of coffee.
5. Tackle tasks together
Madsen also suggests crossing off your to-do list together. Running errands is another great way to spend time together while still being productive.
6. Prioritize
It’s easy to lose yourself in all the new responsibilities university life presents. As important grades and internships are, it’s your relationships that get you through it all. Avoid bailing on plans for your other responsibilities unless absolutely necessary and eliminate distractions when you’re spending time with friends and family you haven’t made time for. Finding a balance between your responsibilities and your relationships is one of the biggest lessons you’ll learn during your years at university and certainly one of the most valuable.
Sources: Psych Central