College can be overwhelming. There are so many things to do, and not enough time to do them! How do you manage it all without burning out? These college hacks will help you get everything done in the time you have, and still have energy left over for fun!
There are a number of things that college students struggle to manage, especially when they first go to college. Not only is there figuring out the academic side of college life, you also need to navigate friendships and sorting out all the practical things you need to manage while living away from home.
Here are some college hacks to help you manage all the different priorities you need to balance.
1. Make A Schedule… And Stick To It!
This is probably the most important college hack on this list. If you don’t have a plan for how you’re going to use your time, you’ll quickly find yourself overwhelmed and stressed out. Making a schedule doesn’t have to be complicated. Just sit down at the beginning of each week and figure out what you need to get done. Then, block out time in your day for each task. Use a calendar on your phone, or a white board on your bedroom wall – whatever works for you.
2. Ask For Help
There’s no shame in admitting that you need help. College is hard, and there’s no way you can do it all on your own. If you’re struggling with a class, talk to your professor. They’re there to help you succeed! If you’re having trouble balancing your social life with your school work, talk to a friend. If there’s something specific you need some extra support with your studies such as essay writing, look for support from an essay writer and see if there are any extra training sessions you can enroll on for academic skills.
3. Get Enough Sleep
This is one college hack that a lot of students don’t realize is important until they’re struggling. When you’re sleep deprived, it’s harder to focus on your studies and you’re more likely to get sick. Make sure you’re getting at least eight hours of sleep every night, and if you can, take a nap during the day.
4. Don’t Multitask
Multitasking might seem like a good way to get more done, but it can actually be really ineffective. When you try to do two things at once, your brain doesn’t focus on either task as well as it should. You’ll end up doing a sub-par job on both tasks, and taking longer to finish them than if you’d just focused on one at a time. If you have a lot on your plate, working through everything methodically one thing at a time is the best way to get everything done. Ticking things off a physical list will give you a sense of progress too.
5. Prioritize Your Deadlines
This is a college hack that will help you stay on top of your workload. When you get an assignment, sit down and work out when it’s due. Then, write it down in your planner in order of importance. That way, you can see at a glance what needs to be done first and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines. Always ensuring your college work is the priority in your schedule will help you stay focused, and you can slot in all the other stuff around it. Planning for this ahead of time will also help you figure out if you need any extra support to get your academic work done, like from an essay writing service or tutor support.
6. Work Out And Eat Well
When you’re taking care of your body, it’s easier to take care of your mind. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet, get enough exercise and practice mindfulness. All of these things will help you manage stress levels, and give you the energy you need to get through your day. While adding in a work out to your day might feel like another thing you need to get done, many people feel more energetic and invigorated to take on the day’s challenges if they do exercise. Fueling and maintaining your body in the right way really will help you achieve all you need to at college.
7. Don’t Work Too Late
It’s easy to fall into the trap of working until you can’t stay awake any longer, but this is really counter-productive. Once you’re tired, it’s harder to focus on your work and you’re more likely to make mistakes. If you find yourself struggling to stay awake, take a break and come back to it later. You’ll be able to work more efficiently if you’re well rested, and you’ll avoid burning out. This isn’t just about getting enough sleep either. It’s also about having a cut off time when your working day is over. It’s important to relax and do things for pure enjoyment too, whether it’s watching a television show, or going for a drink with friends.
8. Take A Day Off
This is a college hack that not enough students take advantage of. When you’ve been working hard, it’s important to give yourself a break. Whether that means taking a whole day off, or just an afternoon, make sure you’re giving yourself time to relax and recharge. Once you’ve had some time away from your studies, you’ll be able to come back feeling refreshed and ready to work again. Your mental health will thank you for it!
There are lots of college hacks out there to help you manage your time and energy, but these are some of the best. Try incorporating them into your routine and see how they work for you.