When considering all of the ways you will need to adjust to college life, have you factored in a part-time job? I’m sure this is a priority for many of you, so let’s take a minute to discuss how you will juggle your course load and your work schedule.
Scheduling your time is crucial. It really is the best way to ensure success if you intend to juggle both a job and fulfilling your duties as a college student. Once you have your class and work schedules, sit down and take a few minutes to block off time for homework and studying. You can’t be too busy to do your schoolwork (because in the end, that’s what is most important!); so if it seems there aren’t enough hours in the day, get yourself into a routine that allows for all elements of your schedule.
While working and going to school is an admirable undertaking, you will need to make a concerted effort not to let either area suffer - no matter how busy you get. It will take an enormous amount of dedication to give 100 percent to both work and your studies, so be careful you don’t get burned out. Allow yourself blocks of time for rest and recreation. As important as it is to be a responsible, hard-working adult, you need to make sure your mind and body get the rest they need as well. If you don’t allow yourself time to recoup from the duties of your day, you won’t be able to do either job well; something I’m sure you (and your parents) are not willing to settle for.
Don’t take on more than you can handle; remember, you can always increase your workload after you get comfortable managing your schedule. Make time for your friends as well, as they can play a huge part in keeping your sanity while juggling your to-do list. There are 24 usable hours in every day; it’s up to you how you use them. Good luck!