Whether you’re commuting from home or halfway across the country, college brings new challenges. I could’ve used this advice a year ago!

Here are a few things that I’ve learned so far:

1. You can't reach a goal if you don't set one.

I find it helpful to take a few minutes each week to look over my upcoming assignments. I usually look for a time over the weekend to take about thirty minutes, look over each of my classes, and write out assignments that I need to accomplish.

You know that planner everyone told you about during orientation? Yeah, you need one. I write every assignment into my planner so that I can see at a glance which days and weeks will be busiest and where I have free time.

After my planning session, I feel more prepared for the week ahead. I know which assignments should take the most time. I know the due dates for my papers. In short, planning helps me tackle my schoolwork more peacefully.

2. You don't have to do it all at once.

After a planning session, it’s easy for me to think that I need to accomplish a week’s worth of assignments in a few hours. Needless to say, I end up burned out and overwhelmed rather than finding all my schoolwork magically completed.

I’ve found it helpful to simplify my to-do lists. If I’m looking at a few hours’ block of time, I try to pick one or two major tasks to accomplish. Anything else I accomplish during that time is a bonus.

As I’ve heard others say, “Underwhelm your schedule.” When I do so, it helps me feel productive rather than stressed.

3. Rest is essential.

I have lived through periods of delusion where I apparently thought I was supposed to function like the energizer bunny. It’s a great thing to have goals, but let’s remember our human limitations.

Most adults need about 7 hours of sleep a night. You’re not a superhero. Please be kind to yourself and go to sleep.

4. People are important.

As a college student, it is all too easy to value turning in the perfect paper over making time for people. Some people struggle with quitting the social scene to focus on schoolwork, but I usually have the opposite problem.

I loved one woman’s idea of intentionally visiting or catching up with one friend each week. I’ve started trying to do the same thing. If it’s a busy week, the visit may be a short phone call or a joint study session. When I have more time, I love to put school aside and chat or do something together.

I’m much happier when I remember that friends are a gift to treasure and invest in, not a reward for completing every possible school task.

5. Leave it in God’s hands.

Am I the only one who has trouble sleeping when they’re stressed? I find my mind frantically turning over a growing to-do list right when I should be peacefully floating to sleep.

As much as possible, I try to limit electronic use as I head toward bedtime. That way, I can let my mind calm down. Without distractions, I can start processing the day before my head hits the pillow. I also keep a pad of paper close to the bed so that if I cannot get a to-do item off my mind, I can write it down and not worry about forgetting.

I make it a habit to be still and spend a few moments with God before I climb in bed or turn out the light. If there’s anything I’m worried about, I can take it to Him. Sometimes, I just listen and He speaks to me. There’s nothing quite like finding my Father waiting for me with loving, open arms at the end of a long day.