Is it possible to study while working, whether it’s full-time or part-time? In 2020, NCES revealed a set of data that 40% of full-time undergraduate students also worked while enrolled in college. This highlights both possibilities and challenges in juggling demanding study sessions, coursework, work, and personal responsibilities.
This reality provokes a question of how to balance work and school as a college student and ensure a healthy life and good academic performance. Grasp the ten useful tips below to help students find effective balance and harmony among various commitments.
1. Prioritizing Tasks
Not all tasks are created equal. Hence, it’s important to differentiate between urgent and important. Start determining priorities based on due dates or tasks that require immediate attention. Focus on high-priority assignments and work duties first.
2. Create a Detailed Schedule
An effective and well-structured schedule is pivotal. Map out the entire week, including class times, work shifts, study blocks, meal times, and even dedicated periods each day for rest and social activities.
Yet, stay realistic about how much time each activity truly takes. Use a digital calendar to plan a weekly schedule and leverage email alerts to help you stick to it.
3. Practice Good Time Management
Besides effective scheduling, be actively involved in utilizing time. It means being proactive, acting promptly, practicing micro-productivity, setting clear boundaries between work and study when possible, and tackling the most challenging tasks when you're most alert.
4. Utilize Time Management Tools and Techniques
How to balance work and school when you have many schedules and materials on your plate? Leveraging technology is the answer. Digital calendars, task managers, and time-management to note-taking apps are valuable assets to stay organized and efficient.
5. Communicate with Your Supervisor
It’s crucial to openly discuss your commitments as a student and employee with your employer. Inform them of your academic schedule and availability upfront and discuss the possibility of seeking flexibility in working hours, especially for exam periods or intense academic assignments.
6. Find a Dedicated Study Space
Designate a specific area for studying that is quiet and free from distractions to create an environment that is conducive to focusing on learning sessions. Whether it’s in your room, cafe, or library, a consistent study environment helps train your brain to focus on specific tasks when you're there.
7. Practice Mindfulness
While possible, going to school while working can be really stressful, and it’s unavoidable. Manage the stress that comes by incorporating mindfulness exercises, like deep breathing exercises, into your daily routine. It’s recommended to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance the ability to manage competing demands.
8. Take a Break
Continuous working does not equal productivity. Rather, it may cause burnout. Be mindful to rest by scheduling short breaks during study sessions and longer breaks throughout your week. Step away from your work and studies to recharge your mind and body, even for 15 minutes.
9. Exercise Regularly and Get Enough Rest
Regular exercises can enhance energy and reduce stress, while adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night) is essential for concentration, memory, and overall health. Consider these as non-negotiables to maintain your physical and mental health.
10. Seeking Support
Challenges are part of your journey as both a student and an employer. It’s normal and essential to reach out for help when you need help to overcome the situation. This could be talking to academic advisors, professors, family, friends, or campus support services. Many universities offer counseling or tutoring services that can provide valuable assistance.
Be Strategic in Managing Both School and Working
These practical tips on how to balance work and school are all about strategic planning, self-care, and leveraging available resources to help students manage their responsibilities, excel in academic and professional journeys, and maintain their well-being.
Sampoerna University offers full support for students to achieve both academic excellence and valuable professional experience. Through a two-degree program, students can earn an S1 and a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Arizona in just 4 years and help them to thrive as future-ready leaders.
Enroll at Sampoerna University and achieve your academic and professional aspirations!
