Let me preface by stating that I am someone who thrives off scheduling away my time. An average week includes 25 to 30 hours as a slave to retail, 20 hours of education, and another 15 to 20 for the on-campus organizations I have signed up for. I am very busy.
Time management has become my specialty skill that would be included on one of those skill cards in children’s games. Weeks get crazy and time flies by; the entire time I’m wondering if I will even have time to make it home for a sandwich or get a suitable amount of sleep. The answer usually proves to be a ‘no.’
A conversation with a friend led me to wonder how as college students, we seem to survive off such limited necessities. We are constantly told that our college years are the greatest years and I believe it but they are also proving to be the most stressful and busiest years. It’s no wonder that mid-life crises are experienced by adults. When life starts to slow down there can only be an adverse reaction.
Now, soon to be three years into my college experience, I feel like I have it down and want to share my top 3 tips for surviving busy college days:
Smartphones – If you own one, learn how to use it to its full potential. Research and download these essential apps: Blackboard for constant access to syllabi and assignments, Grades (any version) to track your GPA and test scores, Grocery IQ is perfect for commuters who don’t have a meal plan where you can make food lists and track discounts. There are so many more and I encourage you to research different apps for students and time management. Last but definitely not least, connect all of your email accounts to your phone for 24/7 access. You can easily link your responsibilities to your Calendar at the touch of a button.
Fitness – You don’t have to head to the Rec Center every day but I suggest buying a Yoga mat and getting some free weights for your room to do some quick exercises. When you can go for a run, do it! Even though it may not seem like you have time, make some. This relieves a lot of stress, is healthy, and you will begin to have positive thoughts.
Planner/Schedule – Buy yourself a planner. You can get cheap ones at Target or office supplies stores. Write down all the important due dates, meetings, practices, work schedules. When you have everything in one place it is easier to remember where you have to be when. Keep your planner on you at all times.
After you’ve completed these tasks take out your birthday lists and ask for 24 more hours to be added to the day because let’s be honest, that’s the only way we’ll all actually survive this place.
