Coming from a student that worked two part-time jobs while taking a full course load of 18 credits: college is tough. You're busy worrying about your future post-graduation while juggling all of your classes, internships, jobs, family, friends, and everything else that life piles on top of you. The good news is that with focus, success is possible! Make your boss happy, spend time with the people that matter, and watch those As roll in.

Balance with Baby Steps:

To truly succeed at managing your busy schedule, start with building on what you can handle. Having trouble memorizing terms for that big test? Go slowly and take them two or three at a time. Overwhelmed at your job or internship? Prioritize your work -- get the most important assignments out of the way first before beginning the next. Do your friends suggest going out on your study day? Reschedule that movie night for the weekend after your midterm. Make time.

Stick to Simple Studying:

Why study harder than you have to? Use tricks like mnemonic devices, word association, or drawings as study aids. When preparing for your next big exam, whether it be for English or Engineering, work through the material in chunks. Before you move on to the next piece of material, make sure you understand the fundamentals (at the very least) of the previous information.

Work Within Your Limits:

One of the worst things you can do for yourself when you already have a full schedule is to make your life even busier. A good rule of thumb is to make sure you do what's expected of you and only take on additional work that can be completed within reason. If you know you have assignments to finish, don't volunteer for that extra shift. Go above and beyond when you're able, but don't stretch yourself so thin that there aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish everything.

 

Can't wait for more tips on navigating your budding adult life? Check back here at College Quest for more!