As the upcoming Fall semester quickly approaches, there are many things to do weighing down on college students everywhere. So many questions come up like: "Do I have everything I need?" "Will my textbooks even be used?" "How many credits can I take?" "Should I get a job?" and so on and so forth. But the ultimate question, is how much is too much? Is there any way to know when you're in over your head until you're already struggling?
You're told to take a full load of credits, stay involved, and balance life at the same time.
It's possible, but it's hard sometimes. How do you fit everything in? I'm not even sure I have enough room on my google calendar for everything. People work a job, sometimes several, and remain a full-time student at 12 credits. Some students take a medium amount of credits, say, 14, and join clubs and organizations in their free time. Some people take the most credits possible (17) and only do academics. But what if you wanna do everything? How does a student balance 17 credits of coursework, including being a teaching assistant, stay involved on campus with clubs and organizations, work a job, do volunteer work, make time for friends and significant others, and still find time for sleeping and eating?
I'm not quite sure all of this is possible from experience, but I have heard success stories. I am going into my second year of college with an open mind and I'm going to do my best to be positive. Preparing for an upcoming year that you know will be crazy is difficult, but I'm trying my best. I know so many other students are out there working with the same type of deal, and that gives me a little strength. For those who are pushing themselves to the limit, I'm learning a few tactics that I think may help you, too.
My first point is to breathe. It sounds so simple that it's almost dumb, but it's true. I can't count how many times I've been so caught up in life that I've forgotten to take a minute for myself. It's so important to practice self-care or you'll burn out incredibly quickly.
Second, it's critical to stay organized and on top of things. It doesn't help to worry but think about deadlines and opening dates before they happen so that you're prepared when they come. Google Calendar or a good old-fashioned planner is your friend. It helps me personally to have a journal that I carry with me everywhere and write important notes in. Remember that the sooner you get something done, the less you'll have to stress over it; so try not to procrastinate.
My last pointer here is to try and remain positive. Once you're in a negative mindset, it's easy to lose sight of why you're doing everything that you're doing. If you didn't have some ultimate goal that makes your heart race with excitement, you wouldn't be packing your time full like you are. When things get rough, remember what you're working for.
With these three things and a lot of help from the people I'm close to, I think I might just make it through the next semester. I wish all of you luck, as well; I know you can do it!
