How To Pretend You Have Your Life Together | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

How To Pretend You Have Your Life Together

College is hard, but you can fool everyone into thinking you've got it down.

39
How To Pretend You Have Your Life Together
graphicdesign-student

The semester is in full swing and once the novelty of the new year has worn off, it can be really hard to stay motivated and on top of work. If you're like me, staying organized isn't as much fun as Netflix marathons or sleeping all day after a party. So, here are some of the things that I have found really help me get through my week.

1. Get A Calendar

Personally, I say get a calendar and not a planner because it's easier to view everything. Keep a monthly calendar by your desk or workspace so you can easily view your upcoming events, friends' birthdays and due dates all in one convenient monthly view. I like this better than a planner because I can have the month laid out in front of me and I don’t have the worry of missing anything. However, if a planner is more your thing, go for that or even have both!

2. Structure Your Days

Plan ahead what you’re going to do the night before. I usually use post it notes to make tons of lists so I can see what I need to do. If I need to do stuff that is all in one area of campus, I can plan out where I’m going to go either before or after class so I don’t end up wasting time trekking up and down Comm. Ave. I usually get really anxious if I don't know what I'm going to be doing and when, so this really helps me calm my anxiety and get stuff done.

3. Color Code

Before my semester starts, I get folders or binders and notebooks in corresponding colors to my classes. This makes it super easy for me to keep track of any handouts and class notes. The colors also make it very handy for me to just grab the correct notebooks for my day without worrying about double-checking because I know what’s inside. If you keep everything updated you won’t have to worry about leaving things at home.

4. Eat And Drink Properly

This is definitely something I'm sure you hear ALL the time, or at least my parents are always telling me to eat better. But it is important. I’m not saying you have to make your meals look like those beautiful Instagram photos, because if you are eating in a dining hall and/or are on a limited budget, this can be really difficult. Try and eat a breakfast that isn’t just sugar and caffeine, but has some form of nutritional value. Hit the fruit salad bar, grab some peanut butter on toast or if your school makes smoothies, get that for something quick if you're in a rush. Try and drink plenty of water and just keep the late-night pizza binges to a minimum.

5. Get Enough Sleep

I’m probably the worst person to be giving out this advice, but sleep is important. Studies have shown that teenagers and young-adults need about 7-9 hours of sleep to function normally because it’s important and vital for our mental and physical health. There's nothing worse than practically falling asleep in all of your lectures. Trust me, your professor notices. You can see more benefits and tips on how to get to and improve sleep here.

6. Get Involved

Try and do something for you that is on or off campus. Whether it’s joining a sorority, volunteering, or even the knitting club. Whatever you want to do, there is almost always somewhere on campus to get involved. Having a group of people with similar interests is a good way to take a break from the pressures of academic life. Plus, it’s a bonus resume filler for those summer jobs and internships.

7. Reserve Time For Self-Care

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s actually more difficult to do than you think. It’s increasingly difficult to incorporate important things that make us happy in our busy lives. But even if it’s just spending a few extra minutes in the shower to relax or watching an episode of Grey’s Anatomy once in a while to destress and dissociate from everything around us, is a good way to keep it together.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

20064
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

8469
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6135
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5311
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments