The easiest way to get ahead

Being a full time student is called full time for a reason; it’s a full time job. On top of being a student you need to factor in work, studying, exercise, mental health, sleep, social time, clubs/sports, and time for yourself. This can be incredibly hard to balance and many college students, understandably, struggle with this. When looking at all you have to balance not to mention the smaller but equally important tasks like grocery shopping, paying bills, laundry, and keeping your dorm/apartment/house clean it’s rare you won’t find yourself not overwhelmed. It’s this state of overwhelmed where you’re looking at the whole picture up close that builds stress. I am a full time student on track to graduate early, I have my own apartment I manage and I work part time. Through practice and using my resources I was able to find a routine that works best for me.

I’ve found that being prepared combined with staying organized is the best way to eliminate stress, the biggest tool that helps me do so is buying a planner and actually using it. I do so by first becoming accustomed to my class schedule. Once my schedule is finalized I write it down in my planner. School should arguably be your first priority, if you’re here paying good money for a top education you should try to appreciate yourself and that notion. You wouldn’t be in college if you didn’t value it or realize it’s importance for finding a career later. However, 30% percentage rise in students seeking appointments at counseling centers between 2009–10 and 2014–15, even though student enrollment grew by only 5 percent during that time, according to a survey of 139 college and university counseling centers. (AIS). With your schedule written down you can then begin to add in the other things. Me, personally, I then add my work schedule and important due dates; bills, projects or papers due, etc. 

When things are clearly laid out in front of you step by step it’s less overwhelming. You’re able to look at your planner see that you’re not working tomorrow and you only have two classes in the morning. This leaves you time to do whatever else you may need to. By laying out your schedule you’re taking control of your life and staying organized, you’re leaving very little room for surprises.

If you’re able to track your school work and work schedule you’re less likely to have that feeling we’ve all had; knowing there’s something we’re forgetting about, something we’re not ready for, but we’re not quite sure what. The Sunday night ‘I have no idea what homework I have to do but I definitely have homework’ feeling. The worst. I know personally I’m at my best when I’m not worried about what’s due, I can go to the gym and build a sound daily routine which is the key to a good mental health. Mental health is like the foundation of a house, if there are cracks it won’t matter how good what’s on top looks like, eventually it’s going to fall apart.