Some may consider college as a balancing act. Between participating in class, extracurricular activities, jobs, and a need to spend time with friends, it can be overstimulating for some. At SUNY Cortland, the campus is always filled with fun events and opportunities. It is important to find that balance between having a social life and academics to get the full college experience.
For many, the transition from high school to college can be challenging. The newfound freedom and independence can lead to some struggles with time management. Unlike high school, where the schedules are very structured and parents are at home, it will give constant reminders to stay locked in. At college, the students are expected to take full responsibility for all their commitments. This new independence can be exciting but can also be overwhelming, especially during freshman year.
One of the best ways to maintain a healthy balance is to prioritize tasks. Academics must come first since that is the foundation of college. Some ways to help are to utilize a planner, calendar, or any app to help stay on top of deadlines. Creating time to study or complete work each week prevents last-minute cramming and reduces any stress during a busy week.
Another way to look at time management is like budgeting. Like budgeting money for essentials before spending money on unnecessary things, it is a parallel to saving time to attend class, completing assignments, and practicing self-care. When priorities are met, students can plan social gatherings with friends without feeling any type of guilt.
SUNY Cortland offers a very wide range of events and activities. From the athletic games, concerts, clubs, and volunteer opportunities. While these are considered the fun part of college life, overcommitting can cause burnout. Students need to be selective and join the activities that really matter to them. Participating in everything will not turn out well in the end.
Creating a weekly routine can also be a game-changer. Establishing steady study times, meal times, and a period to relax can help build structure within a busy schedule. This also makes it easier to create plans to see friends and not sacrifice school. Treating study time as an important appointment and not just something to do when there is time. Academics are the number one priority when in college.
For students living off campus, balancing any kind of responsibilities can become very complex. Commuting, grocery shopping, and managing a whole house can add additional tasks while at school. Planning becomes more essential in these situations. Preparing meals in advance, creating realistic schedules, and talking to housemates can help when living off campus.
Finally, finding a balance between a social life and academics is a personal process. Some people may excel when having a very well-written schedule, while others prefer a more easy-going outlook. The key is to be self-aware and make any changes needed. Balancing school work with a busy and active social life can be hard sometimes. But it is fully possible to create careful planning and have a good understanding of which tasks are more important. By staying organized, utilizing the resources SUNY Cortland offers, and setting accurate goals, students can create a healthy and fun college experience. College needs to be productive and fun. A good balance can create academic success and help students grow into mature adults, leading to life after college.