As students everywhere are moving back into their dorms and apartments for the next sixteen weeks of classes, it’s important to address how much we should focus on our academics.

Students are in school to learn about their chosen profession in order to succeed throughout the rest of their lives. However, academics aren’t the only priority. Here are a few things that matter more than getting all A’s at the end of the semester.

1. Your happiness

When you focus all of your energy on your grades, your mental and physical health will suffer. Try to avoid pulling all-nighters and surviving on only coffee and snacks. You deserve real food and quality sleep. Beyond that, take some time every week to relax and stop thinking about homework. Your body and mind will thank you.

3. Your relationships

Volunteer or get a summer internship in your field. You'll have fun, gain valuable skills, and it'll look really good on your resume. Experience means a lot more to potential employers than a 4.0 GPA.

5. Soft skills

In my opinion, soft skills don't get talked about enough. However, it's been proven that employers care a lot about them. Improve your skills in communication, collaboration, dependability, time management, etc. and you're more likely to get that job.

6. A network

It's all about who you know. Build relationships with your professors, make friends in your program, and keep in touch with them. Later on, having that connection could ensure that you get a job over someone else.