College is often romanticized through the big moments: football games, late nights with friends, spontaneous adventures and making memories you know you’ll talk about years later. But what if romanticizing college has less to do with the big moments and more to do with the little ones?
As a college senior, I’ve experienced college in a few different ways. I spent my first two years commuting to community college, lived on campus in a dorm for a year and now I’m back to commuting for my final year. On top of school, I’ve worked different jobs throughout college, which has made my schedule feel like it is constantly changing. I’ve had semesters where I was always on the go and days where my calendar seemed to have something scheduled from morning to night. Through all of that, I’ve realized that having a routine—and actually making time to enjoy it—can make college feel a little less overwhelming.
For me, it’s about creating a routine that lets me enjoy my day rather than rushing through it. College doesn’t always have to be fast-paced. Sometimes, you just need to make time for yourself.
My week starts before the week technically starts. On whichever day I have off between Saturday and Sunday, I meal prep my breakfasts for the upcoming week. Then, on Sunday night, I do my laundry so I can start the week with fresh clothes. I pack my bag, get everything ready and even set up the coffee machine. It might sound overly organized, but there’s something comforting about knowing the future me has a little less to worry about.
During the week, I wake up early enough so I’m not immediately rushing out the door. One of my favorite parts of the morning is waking up to the smell of coffee already brewing. I get ready, warm up my breakfast, warm up my car and head to campus.
The music I listen to on the drive depends entirely on the weather and the vibe of the day – or it might be a silent drive to prep my mind for the day. Once I park, I either catch the bus from one end of campus to the other or take a leisurely walk to class. Oh! And one rule- no speed walking. I gave myself enough time to get there, so there’s no reason to sprint across campus. Plus, why be overheated when sitting in a lecture?
After class, I find a spot near where my next classes are. I study, work on assignments and most importantly, eat lunch. We don’t skip meals here. When the school day is finally over, I walk back to my car without rushing.
Then I drive home, make dinner and decompress. If the sun is still out, I’ll take a moment to enjoy the sunset before winding down for the night.
For someone who struggles with sitting still, this routine has taught me something I didn’t realize I needed: you deserve a break too.
I am constantly putting things in my calendar. If I have free time, my first instinct is to fill it. There is always another assignment, another errand, another chore or something I could be doing. But not every minute needs to be productive.
Sometimes, productivity is making breakfast for the week. Sometimes, it’s taking the long way to class. Sometimes, it’s sitting outside between classes or watching the sunset.
College doesn’t have to be a race (even in academic years). You don’t have to fill every second or make every day exciting. There is something special about having a calm morning, enjoying your coffee, listening to music or the silence during the commute to campus or simply giving yourself enough time to walk instead of run.
Maybe romanticizing your college routine isn’t about making your life look perfect. Maybe it’s about slowing down enough to actually live it.
And from a girl who is constantly trying to stay busy and has absolutely no idea how to sit still and enjoy the calm: it’s not so bad after all. Once the syllabus week is over, you’ll be wishing for the calm. Enjoy it where you can.