How to Manage College Life

Co-authored by Jai Flicker and Megaera Lorenz, PhD

Last Updated: November 28, 2022 References

Getting used to college life is a big adjustment for many students. It may be your first time living away from home and away from the routines that you are used to, and the amount of work required to succeed in college classes can feel overwhelming. If you learn to manage your time effectively, maintain healthy habits, and seek help when you need it, the college experience will begin to feel a lot more manageable.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Jai Flicker
Academic Tutor
Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.}

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Managing Your Time

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Don’t overburden yourself. A normal college course load can be difficult to manage on its own. If you have work or family obligations, it can feel pretty overwhelming. Don’t sign up for more classes in a term than you know you can manage.
- If you have a job or obligations at home, consider signing up for a part-time or online college program instead of a traditional full-time program.
- Talk to your academic advisor about creating a manageable schedule that fulfills your program’s requirements for each semester or quarter.
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to drop classes that aren’t working out for you. You will probably get a chance to sign up for that class again at a later date.
2
Create a visual weekly schedule.^{[2]
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Expert Source

Jai Flicker
Academic Tutor
Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.} This should be a one-page sheet that shows what a normal week will look like during the semester or quarter, so you will have a quick reference until you get used to your class schedule.
- Use a page from a pre-made weekly planner, or make your own. Create a grid on paper, or use a program like MS Word to create a table with columns for each day of the week and rows for each hour of the day.
- Fill in the appropriate blocks of time for each of your classes. This will help you keep track of your class schedule and visualize the time that you have available for doing other things during the week.
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3
Keep track of important dates and deadlines. Look over the syllabus for each of your classes and make note of assignment deadlines, test days, and other important dates. Write these dates down in a planner, or use a program like Google Calendar if you prefer.
4
Block out time for study. Once you’ve figured out your basic schedule, set aside a certain amount of time each day for study. Ideally, you should be spending about two hours of study time for each hour spent in class.^{[3]
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- Study each day when you're feeling your most productive. Some people enjoy studying first thing in the morning, while others prefer to set aside time after dinner. Pick a daily time that works best for you.^{[4]
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  Expert Source
  
  Jai Flicker
  Academic Tutor
  Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.}
5
Prioritize your study time appropriately. It can be tempting to get relatively fun and easy tasks out of the way first, but it’s generally best to focus on your most difficult and time-consuming assignments first. Take a few minutes to assess your assignments each week, and decide which assignments are most urgent and which will take up the most time. Make those your first priority.
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Block out time for fun and socializing. Taking time for things other than classes and study is extremely important. Relaxing and having fun are vital to your mental health, and can actually make you more productive.^{[5]
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- Schedule your fun and social time the same way you would your classes and other obligations. For example, you might set aside an hour each night for hanging out with your friends over dinner, with a clearly defined start and end time. This will help you maintain a structured and well-balanced routine.^{[6]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Maintaining Healthy Habits

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Eat a healthy diet. When you’re busy with classes and homework, it’s easy fall into poor eating habits, or even to forget to eat altogether. Eating well will help you feel more energetic and better able to handle your classes and other responsibilities.^{[7]
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- Don’t skip breakfast. Even if only have time to grab a little fruit and a bagel or piece of toast before heading to class, eating breakfast is vital for giving you the energy and focus you need to feel well and succeed in your classes.
- Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and calcium-rich foods to help you stay energetic, keep your body strong, and help you feel energetic.
- Keep snacks with you. Healthy snacks can boost your energy and focus while you’re studying or even sitting in class. Try pretzels, nuts, fresh or dried fruit, or whole grain crackers.
2
Stay hydrated. A lot of people have trouble remembering to drink enough water during the day, and it can be even harder for a busy student. Try bringing a bottle of water with you to class.
3
Avoid too much caffeine or alcohol. Depending on your individual metabolism, a cup of coffee now and then or an occasional drink with your friends is probably okay. However, always use moderation and common sense, and get advice from a doctor if you are worried about your caffeine or alcohol habits. Excessive caffeine or alcohol intake can interfere with your sleep, cause dehydration, and contribute to other health problems.
4
Get plenty of rest. It can be tempting to stay up late studying or having fun, but most people need 7-8 hours of sleep a night to be at their best.
- Utilize daylight for study as much as possible so that you have evenings for relaxation and rest. Pulling an all-nighter before a big test can ultimately be counterproductive.
- Try to get into a regular sleep routine. Set aside a little time before going to bed each night to unwind away from your computer or phone.
5
Find a good study environment. If your living space is too noisy or distracting, find a place that is quiet and conducive to study. You might find a corner of your campus library or a spot in a study hall that works for you.
- Well-lit environments work well for study. Having enough light can help you concentrate and feel more energetic.^{[8]
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- Listening to music can help you study, but make sure you select music that helps you concentrate instead of creating a distraction. Try music with nature sounds or instrumental classical music.^{[9]
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- Some people benefit from studying in groups, while others find it distracting. Experiment with meeting with classmates for study sessions and see if it works well for you.
6
Take breaks. Studying so long that you become fatigued is counter-productive.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Jai Flicker
Academic Tutor
Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.} If you start to get sleepy or restless, take a break to walk around for a few minutes, have a snack, or even put your head down for a catnap.
7
Get exercise. Even if you don’t have time to go to the campus gym, set aside a few hours each week or a few minutes every night to go for a brisk walk or do a little stretching. Getting occasional physical activity can help you feel more energized during the day and sleep better at night.
8
Do things you enjoy. In addition to studying and working towards your academic goals, college is an opportunity to have fun, make friends, and discover new interests. Find out if your school has any clubs or student organizations that match up with your interests. Take time to work on creative projects, play games, or just hang out.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Getting the Help You Need

1
Ask your professors or academic advisors for help and advice. The faculty at your university or college are there to help you. If you are struggling in a class or need help managing your work load, don’t hesitate to email your professors or visit them during office hours. They may be able to offer you advice or help you figure out a schedule that works better for you.
2
Look for support from your family and friends. If you’re feeling really stressed out, it can help to talk to someone sympathetic. Talk to a supportive family member or friend. If they are in college or have been to college in the past, they may have advice to offer. Even if they don’t have specific advice, just talking about how you’re feeling can be helpful. Keeping in touch with people at home can also be helpful for dealing with feelings of homesickness and loneliness.
3
Call or visit your school’s counseling center or office of student affairs. Most colleges and universities offer services to help students manage the difficulties of college life. Whether you’re dealing with an emotional crisis or just feeling tired and stressed out, your school may be able to provide the support you need. Many campuses provide:
- Counseling and psychiatric services.
- Time and stress management workshops.
- Informal classes on yoga, meditation, or other activities designed to reduce stress and help you feel more focused.

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I fit in time to study as a working college student?

Jai Flicker
Academic Tutor
Jai Flicker is an Academic Tutor and the CEO and Founder of Lifeworks Learning Center, a San Francisco Bay Area-based business focused on providing tutoring, parental support, test preparation, college essay writing help, and psychoeducational evaluations to help students transform their attitude toward learning. Jai has over 20 years of experience in the education management industry. He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, San Diego.

Jai Flicker

Academic Tutor

Expert Answer

Try to customize your life to your temperament. Find the best time of day to study for you. Some people would rather do their work first thing in the morning, or right before dinner, or right after school. I think it's often overlooked how easy it is for people to actually realize or know what's a good schedule for them.