Between overindulging in dining halls, Netflix binge watching, and pulling multiple all-nighters, college can become one of the most imbalanced periods of your life. It is up to you, my fellow collegiates, to create your own sense of balance so that you may conquer the task of a gaining higher education and having fun while doing it. So, how exactly do you thrive as your best self academically, extracurricularly, and socially while in college?
1. School comes first.
Remember why you came to college in the first place. Yes, the college social scene is lit and all the organizations are fascinating, but you are ultimately here to get a degree. Let’s get back to the basics, my friends.
The secret to academic success lies within two simple words: organize and prioritize. Keep a calendar and stick to your schedule. Prioritize your daily schedule by doing things based on their level of importance. Yes, you may have leeway, but try to commit to your original plans, so when your friends invite you to a concert, your English essay that’s due at 11:59 p.m. won’t hold you back.
2. Get involved with campus clubs and activities.
Get engaged in something you are interested in on campus! It’s a great way to meet people and become a more well-rounded individual. Getting involved is key, especially if you go to a large university, because you can create your own community.
While getting involved on campus can contribute to living a balanced college lifestyle, it can also become a distraction and create unnecessary stress. The biggest thing to keep in mind when joining clubs, organizations, or other activities is to not overcommit yourself. If you feel like you can’t give an opportunity 100 percent of your effort, don’t take it.
3. Prepare for your future career.
Getting a job in your desired field after graduation should be one of your main goals as a college student. Be proactive! Talk to your academic advisor, consult with a professor that’s in your major, get resume critiques, and seek internships.
At the end of the day, college is not about deciding what you want to do. It’s about discovering who you are. Identify your strengths and weaknesses and figure out what you enjoy the most, so you can find the career path that best suits you.
4. Establish a positive friend group.
Establishing lifelong friendships is one of greatest benefits of the college experience. Get friends who will be ready to post up when he leaves you on read and text you when they know you’re stressed out during midterms.
Surround yourself with people who share the same path. Your friends should be goal-oriented and seeking to invest in themselves throughout their college experience as much as you are.
5. Take care of yourself.
Take care of yourself in mind, body, and spirit. Get rest, drink water, eat healthy (…for the most part), exercise, and stay in tune with your spirit. Eating pizza and staying awake past 3:00 a.m. every night is not going to provide you with the fuel you need for success. Have fun and do your schoolwork, but don’t self-destruct in the process.
The key component to taking care of yourself is to know your limits. It’s important to check-in with yourself. Before you start your day every morning, do something to tend to your own needs. Establish goals for the day, look at your vision board, pray, or read an inspirational message. Do something to center yourself, so you can understand how you operate and set boundaries to help you live your best life during your college years.