Advice from a Reformed Student: How to Achieve Balance in College

     Being in college often brings to students’ minds pulling all-nighters, bizarre sleep schedules, and planning classes so they are as late as possible. While this may be the case for the majority of students, after three years in college I have come to realize the importance of growing out of this lifestyle. Here are five suggestions from a reformed procrastinating insomniac on how to maximize your academic and personal life without sacrificing sleep, grades, and sanity.

1. Have a Sleep Schedule – Sleep is vital for anyone who wants to functionat a productive level. In college it is easy to skip class and then cram at the end of the quarter or semester for finals. However, going from twelve hours of sleep a day to zero when you’re pulling an all-nighter is hard on your body and your performance will suffer. I suggest not only getting eight hours, but having a regular sleep schedule. 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. is a good time frame to shoot for because going to bed before midnight usually ensures better quality of sleep and you won’t miss out on much socially after eleven on a school night.
2. Work in Increments – In college work loads can pile up… fast. Working in increments is essential to all-around success because trying to write a six page paper the night before results in poor quality work, lack of sleep, and missed social opportunities. It is also important to utilize time in between classes to read assigned pages or outline a paper. If you’re brain is in school mode from class, it is best to address some of your assignments while you’re still academically focused (instead of waiting to look at what was assigned at midnight after you’vewatched five episodes of Breaking Bad).
3. Establish Connections with Teaching Assistants or Professors – Working with your TA or professor will largely benefit you academically and mentally. Not only are TAs and professors assets in regards to the information they know, they can also largely inform your work through the conversations you have and the problems you work through with them. When you create a relationship with someone who is grading you, you establish a level of expectation for your work which will motivate you to do well. Furthermore, when your TA or professor knows your name and face and the effort your put in, odds are they will keep that in mind when grading you.
4. Make Time for Friends – As important as it is to get work done on time, having time off is just as essential. Having time with friends that is not academically related is imperative to well being: going to a movie, getting dinner, or having a coffee and chatting all provide a breakfrom the heavy demands of academic life. College is also a time where you’re adjusting to a new lifestyle and it is good to have relationships and friends as resources to process the changes.
5. Create an Outlet –College is a great time to get involved in non-academic groups whether they are sports-related, political, religious, or even volunteering. Relating to others  who have a common interest develops you as a person and puts you in touch with those with a common interest or goal. Having these groups provides you an outlet and sense of escape from ever harboring academic studies. 

While I understand that college freshmen are more prone to a hectic schedule with meeting new friends, playing pranks in the dorms, or developing this new habit of napping that high school didn’t afford you, I simply suggest keeping in mind the benefits of a balance lifestyle. Being academically, mentally, and physically balanced will result in success and pride in your ability to conquer challenges and feel fulfilled in all areas of life.