Learn practical tips for time management in college, to effectively balance school and social life
Balancing academics and extracurriculars in college can be a challenge, but once you figure it out, you’ll be all set for a balanced schedule and school year.
In college, you’ll have a lot to learn about how to set priorities, where to find on-campus resources and will be in need of college advice. We are here to help!
Setting Priorities: How to Manage Homework in College
When bridging the academic gap from high school to college, it’s important to think about how to organize your life. Digital calendars and task management systems like Google Calendar, Outlook Calendar and Notion are great options. Find whatever you think will work best for you. If you use a digital calendar, you can set reminders for yourself on when certain items need to be completed or turned in.
How to Manage Homework in College
Try managing homework by using an Excel or Google sheet. Customize your sheet and sort your assignments by relevant fields like due date, class, priority level or all of the above. This way, you can check off or delete items as they’re completed, like a to-do list.
- If a digital system isn’t for you, there are plenty of great paper planner options to check out that could help with organizing in college.
As the year goes on, assignment due dates will change, and unexpected schedule conflicts will arise. Be sure to cross-check your own organizational system with the professors’ most updated due dates so you don’t miss anything!
Time Management: How to Balance Academic and Social Life in College 
Have you ever met a thriving student and wondered how to balance academic and social life in college? Here are some college life hacks for time management:
The Pomodoro Technique
When you set aside time for studying, you’ll want to make the most of your time. To not get sidetracked, try using the Pomodoro Technique.
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that helps with organizing in college. It involves working in focused 25-minute intervals followed by short 5-minute breaks, repeating this cycle four times before taking a longer break. This way, you can stay focused for enough time to be productive but allow yourself “brain breaks” to recharge.
Saying “No” When Necessary
Unfortunately, there usually aren’t enough hours in the day to accomplish every single thing you have to do. One skill that that teaches you how to balance academic and social life in college is learning which opportunities and invitations to turn down. Sometimes, saying “no” to an extra plan or responsibility or class is key to creating balance.
This doesn’t mean you have to turn down every opportunity that comes your way — you’ll learn a lot from those unexpected invitations! It simply means you will learn discernment over time to know which opportunities are worth your limited time, and which ones are okay to pass on.
Making Time for Social Activities Without Guilt
Leaving time for social experiences will ultimately benefit your academic and professional experience, and help you become a well-rounded student. When you hang out with friends you’ve made in college and in your academic program, you are naturally building networking connections that could benefit you professionally as you explore your career path.
Additionally, it’s unreasonable to plan your time in college without taking social life into consideration. Leaving flexible time in your schedule is important! Some days may be much lighter than others — enjoy it.
College is about more than just academics; it’s an important time to grow holistically and learn more about the world around you. Balance is always key, but don’t feel guilty about spending time with friends in college when you could technically be studying an additional hour. With the right time management system in place, you will be able to study and socialize! Over time, you’ll learn how to balance college work and social life.
Creating a Weekly Schedule: How to Balance School and Work in College
Many college students also balance jobs in their weekly schedules. How do they make it happen? Much of that decision-making will depend on your class schedule, which is typically created before the semester starts.
Tips for Time Management in College
Some students prefer to “stack” their classes on only some days of the week. For example, you could take multiple classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but potentially none on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays. This leaves those days free for a job or internship to be scheduled in.
Other students find that they prefer a more balanced approach, with similar amounts of classes scheduled for every weekday. You may find that you focus best in the mornings, so you schedule every class to begin at 8 a.m. For others, that may be difficult.
Utilizing Campus Resources
If you discover you don’t like the class schedule you created for yourself the first semester, the good news is you have several more semesters to figure it out! It might take a few tries to finally figure out what weekly routine works best for you. Time management is the key to figuring out how to balance school and work in college.
Remember that you're not alone on this journey. Most universities, like Belmont University, offer extensive support services designed to help students thrive both academically and personally. Becoming friends with your professors is also important, as they can assist you throughout your academics and career.
Take advantage of resources offered by offices such as GPS (Growth & Purpose for Students), Career and Professional Development and counseling services. These resources are there specifically to guide you through challenges and help you create a balanced college experience.
Balancing academics, work and social life in college is an ongoing process of growth. By implementing organizational systems, practicing intentional time management techniques like the Pomodoro method and creating a schedule that honors both your academic and personal needs, you'll develop valuable skills that extend far beyond your college years.
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