Ways to Balance School and Work

What is the most valuable resource for college students? It’s time of course. Sometimes it feels that it just flies by and students wonder where all of the time went. It affects working students especially. In fact, 72% of college students combine education and work throughout the school year, 20% of whom work full-time, according to a 2014 study by the U.S. Census Bureau. Time management is a common problem for any college student and the way how to plan and manage it is a special art. Take a look at these 5 time management strategies to do your best at college, find moments to relax and make some money on the side.

 

1.    Make a Schedule

Creating a flexible schedule is a good way to fit your homework when you’re not at college. Maintain a calendar, write down what you need to fulfill every day and check them off as you complete it. If you have trouble keeping track of your schedule, use a planner or smartphone that to help yourself. Therefore, find time for your family, friends and yourself. Don’t forget to add things like groceries, family dinners, weekly social activities or even reading a book to your calendar.

2.    Develop Self Discipline

Keeping your study process organized can save you some time during the week. There are a lot of useful habits that you can develop and grow: to establish priorities for several courses, take great lecture notes, create a comfortable study environment, avoid destructive websites, collaborate with your tutors and classmates and visit your school’s tutoring center.

3.    Work Rationally

Want to be successful at work? Follow the similar rules that were introduced above. Create a list of urgent and less urgent tasks, note meetings to attend, emails that you need to reply to and other important things you have to fulfill towards the end of a workday. Organize your workspace, notes, always interact with your co-workers and communicate with your manager regularly that they understand your irreplaceable role in the company.

4.    Cope with Anxiety

It’s important to keep college and work separately. Try not to carry your textbooks to work and don’t bring your notes from your office to college. Moreover, try to take regular pauses every few hours, eat healthy food, do regular exercises and get enough sleep. If you feel drowsy, take a short 20 minutes nap. All of these things will positively affect your anxiety levels.

5.    Don’t Delay, Ask for Help

Focus on doing your best and be positive no matter what. If you are stuck on some problem while doing your assignment and can’t figure out where to go next, ask for help, don’t wait till the end of your deadline. Of course, it’s very important to learn how to solve problems on your own but if you have limited time, don’t delay and get advice from your tutors, classmates or co-workers.