College is a time to find yourself, figure out what you’re passionate about and explore all of life’s options, but this is something that is easier said than done.
Between going to class full time, working part time and being involved in clubs on campus, it is difficult to remember to take time for yourself.
Endless to-do lists and class assignments control the majority of our time in college, but it is important to pencil in time in our planners for ourselves in order to take control over our schedules.
By taking advantage of free time, learning our limitations, and prioritizing ourselves, we can make the most out of our college years and reclaim our lives from our busy lifestyles.
Free time can be rare for some college students; how that time is spent can really affect the rest of our day.
Most of the time students end up mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge watching a show on Netflix for hours before getting back to the limitless work that is still piled in the corner we left it.
Samantha Marella, a senior business student, said, “Being a senior is a lot of work. Between my classes, internship, part time job and sorority, I’m always on the move. Sometimes it feels like I’m just on a nonstop cycle and I need to actively make time for myself and do things that I enjoy.”
Marella shared, “Some days I like to wake up an hour earlier so I can go to the gym or cook myself breakfast. It’s the small things like that that really help break up my crazy schedule and make me feel like I’m in control of my day.” Free time can be really beneficial in helping us accomplish what we want to do, instead of what we have to do.
Another issue many students face is the overwhelming stress that a heavy workload can have. Kristine Simoes, a specialist professor of communication, offered her advice to college students who are overwhelmed with their chaotic course load.
Simoes said, “I know a lot of my students struggle with managing their school work, being involved on campus and looking for a job while they try to enjoy their college years.”
“My advice to everyone who comes to me about this is to take your day an hour at a time. Don’t get so wrapped up in everything you have to do that you don’t enjoy doing it.” Simoes continued.
It is also important to realize your limitations and understand that it is okay to say no to picking up another shift at work, or someone’s share of the group project when you already have a lot of your plate. Spreading yourself too thin is a danger to those who have busy schedules and it is important to be aware of how much you are taking on to avoid any unnecessary work.
Making to-do lists with assignments and errands that need to get done is something all students have done in their college years, and by using this same idea for goals you want to accomplish can help students get their minds on track and reclaim their lives from their crazy schedules.
This idea sparked the creation of junior communication student, Nicolette Pezza’s blog: The To You List.
On her blog, she inspires students to take time for themselves to become the people they truly want to be, despite a busy schedule.
Pezza commented, “I think the most important thing about balancing a busy schedule is to also take time for yourself. For my social media and PR class I created a blog called To You List and it’s centered around being the best version of yourself. I think in college we often get so focused on schoolwork, jobs, and extra curricular activities that we forget even taking 30 minutes a day to do something we genuinely love is just as important.”
Just by spending your free time doing something you love, learning that it’s okay to say no, and to take an hour of your time each day for yourself, you’ll be able to break the cycle of a non-stop schedule and reclaim your college years.
IMAGE TAKEN by Alexandria Afanador
