As I am writing this, I am awaiting the clock to strike 12:01 am so that I may race against my peers for the perfect class slots for next semester. It isn’t nearly as hectic now, but when I first began my college career, the stress that revolved around making a schedule just made me want to cower under the bed and pretend my responsibilities didn’t exist. However, adulthood stops for no one and I believe through many states of trial and error, planning has become one of my strong suits, and if you’re someone who is interested on how to perfect your schedule, take note.

Schedule all your classes like a job

Understandably, creating a schedule like a nine to five job is going to be incredibly difficult with all the different time slots and requirements. So take some pressure off yourself, and do what works best for you! If you enjoy sleeping in and having mornings to yourself, schedule all of your classes in the afternoon or evening, but if you would rather have afternoons to work or study, try to find classes in the morning. Create a routine so that all of your classes take up about the same time block, so your days are similar and you can work when you’ll be the most productive.

Treat tutoring, working out, lunch, etc. like a mandatory class

If you don’t attend class, you risk the chance of doing poorly and falling. In that respect, if you don’t eat, practice some sort of regular exercise or have time to study, you risk doing poorly in those areas of life. Even if your class schedules runs close together, try to have a point in your day where you can get away and enjoy something to eat. Going back to when you are most productive during the day, see when a time works to work out for an hour or so during your day. I like to attend yoga or Pilates, because while they are fun and energizing, they’re classes that I Take time during your day to take care of yourself.

Make yourself a bedtime

Believe me, I understand the struggle that goes along with trying to get enough sleep, on top of everything that needs to be managed. However, I urge you to try to make a time where sleeping is a priority. If you’re someone who likes to wake up early, maybe try to be home, disconnected and relaxing around 10:00. If you work better at night, make sure you’re waking up at a time that gives you enough sleep. There are apps that will help you track your sleep cycle and will remind you to go to bed as well. I hope it is obvious that I am not speaking of blowing off nights out or studying for finals, but to make an effort to have a routine.

Invest in “you” time

You’re working hard and making strides to be the best version of yourself that you can (until the stress takes over and suddenly you’re four shots of espresso and 2 hours of sleep into a research paper). There is going to be so many hurdles and obstacles that will keep you on your toes, so put yourself first. Your schedule cannot happen if you’re not able to tackle it. Even if it’s just 30 minutes a day, where you can do absolutely anything you want to, rather than what you need to. For time to eat, read things you find personally interesting, finally get your car washed or even just to take a nap, take care of yourself. My advice is to try to have one day devoted to myself. It’s not always so easy, but I am able to keep my head from launching off my body from the buildup of stress, because I have time to keep my life in order.

Just remember! Don’t take this all so seriously. While having a schedule and sticking to it is important for success, college and life in general is hectic and sometimes, as hard as it my be, you’ll just have to go with the flow.