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College life is a constant juggling act and sometimes it can feel like you don’t even have time to breathe! There is a way to do balance all of your demanding priorities, though. Follow these 6 tips to get the most out of your college experience without heading for burnout. This should be the best time of your life, so follow these tips to ensure this is the case!

1. Study smarter, not harder

A lot of students decide that effective studying equals long hours spent in the library. They’ve made the mistake of thinking that the longer you study, the more you take in. In fact, the opposite can be true. Spend long enough studying without breaks, and you aren’t going to take anything in. Go for a walk and get away from the books. You’ll come back feeling refreshed and ready to learn. Once you have studied something, give yourself a couple of hours or a few days before you re-study it. this is known as ‘spacing’ and strengthens your memory.

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2. Use short gaps of time wisely

You would be surprised how much of an assignment you could get through in a short space of time between lectures. The trick is to resist temptations, and instead use the short gaps of unstructured time wisely. If you spend that time chatting or hanging out, all of your longer blocks of time will be needed to study. Fitting some of your tasks into short blocks and applying yourself to stay focused can free up larger portions of your weekends and evenings for fun.

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3. Work in the library or a quiet place

When you are sitting down to work, you want to ensure that you are being as productive and efficient as possible. Dorm rooms can be full of distractions: your bed, TV, computer, and other people who may be relaxing or making noise. Unless you are able to block all of this out, the library or another quiet place will be a more beneficial place to study.

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4. Be able to say no

There are lots of opportunities at college, and you want to say yes and please everyone. However, it’s just not possible to fit it all in. Say no once in a while, and your tired brain will thank you. Everyone needs a day curled up in front of Netflix every once in a while. While it’s easy to become giddy with excitement at the societies fair, and suddenly realize you have a dozen passions, when you really think about it, you know who you are, what you like, and what societies and activities are for you. Stay true to who you are, and remember that it’s OK to say no. This is not a weakness – recognising that you need to help yourself is a strength.

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5. Take care of your body

To function at your best, your body needs a balanced diet, exercise, and adequate sleep. Be sure these needs are addressed in your schedule. You will have more energy for your academics if you are feeling well. Of course you want to do everything, but you need to listen to your body first. Taking it slow from time to time will help you get the most out of the college experience.

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6. Coordinate your free time with your friends

As you develop a group of friends, see if you can schedule free time together. This doesn’t mean taking time away from your studying, but rather shuffling your study tome so you can enjoy your social time.

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There is no perfect formula for balancing your social life and academics. Each person must find a balance that works for them. If you can develop the habits and self-discipline that you need to manage your time effectively, you may find that you can really enjoy your time at college. If after using these tips you are still having difficulty balancing your demands, reach out for support as help is always available.

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