3 answers
Haley
Student
Pace, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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College balance?
How do college students balance their school load with a job?
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3 answers
Mary A
Consultant
7
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Hi Haley,
Balancing school and a job in college can be tough at first, but it’s definitely doable with good time management. The biggest thing is learning how to prioritize. Use a calendar or planner to block out time for classes, work, studying, and breaks. Once you can actually see your schedule, it’s easier to make everything fit.
Try to stay ahead on schoolwork when you can, so work shifts don’t throw you off. It also helps to talk to your employer about your class schedule so they know when you’re busiest. Most jobs that hire students are used to working around school hours.
Make sure to leave time for yourself too. It’s easy to get burned out if you’re always on the go. Even just having an hour to relax or hang out with friends makes a big difference. It’s all about finding the routine that works best for you.
Balancing school and a job in college can be tough at first, but it’s definitely doable with good time management. The biggest thing is learning how to prioritize. Use a calendar or planner to block out time for classes, work, studying, and breaks. Once you can actually see your schedule, it’s easier to make everything fit.
Try to stay ahead on schoolwork when you can, so work shifts don’t throw you off. It also helps to talk to your employer about your class schedule so they know when you’re busiest. Most jobs that hire students are used to working around school hours.
Make sure to leave time for yourself too. It’s easy to get burned out if you’re always on the go. Even just having an hour to relax or hang out with friends makes a big difference. It’s all about finding the routine that works best for you.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Haley
Alvin Tsai
IT Consulting
7
Answers
Chino, California
Updated
Alvin’s Answer
During college, I worked approximately 25 hours per week, including weekends, at a food establishment located in a mall near campus. Scheduling was flexible and set weekly, with employees providing their availability one week in advance. My shifts were arranged around my academic schedule, and the team was accommodating when school-related conflicts arose, allowing shift trades as needed.
While college can be demanding, it is also a transitional period where you begin to realize that classes typically occupy only 3 to 4 hours of the day. This structure provides ample free time to take on part-time work and pursue additional interests outside of academics.
While college can be demanding, it is also a transitional period where you begin to realize that classes typically occupy only 3 to 4 hours of the day. This structure provides ample free time to take on part-time work and pursue additional interests outside of academics.
Katie Rubino
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Katie’s Answer
Hi Haley!
To follow-up on Mary A's great advice, specifically regarding your schedule, I would also recommend the following:
Plan Your Weeks in Advance: At the beginning of each week, review your master schedule and create a more detailed plan for the days ahead. Break down large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks and schedule specific times to work on them.
Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for studying each subject, working on assignments, and doing extracurriculars. Treat these blocks like appointments and try to stick to them as much as possible.
Utilize Small Blocks of Time: Look for "hidden" pockets of time between classes or during your commute that you can use for quick tasks like reviewing notes, reading, or planning.
Take Regular Breaks: Short, scheduled breaks during study or work sessions can help you stay focused and prevent burnout. The Pomodoro Technique (work for 25 minutes, break for 5 minutes) is a popular method. Practice self-care during those breaks as much as possible!
And lastly, know that all the hard work you're putting in now (both studying and working) is setting you up for a brighter future! You've got this!
To follow-up on Mary A's great advice, specifically regarding your schedule, I would also recommend the following:
Plan Your Weeks in Advance: At the beginning of each week, review your master schedule and create a more detailed plan for the days ahead. Break down large assignments into smaller, manageable tasks and schedule specific times to work on them.
Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for studying each subject, working on assignments, and doing extracurriculars. Treat these blocks like appointments and try to stick to them as much as possible.
Utilize Small Blocks of Time: Look for "hidden" pockets of time between classes or during your commute that you can use for quick tasks like reviewing notes, reading, or planning.
Take Regular Breaks: Short, scheduled breaks during study or work sessions can help you stay focused and prevent burnout. The Pomodoro Technique (work for 25 minutes, break for 5 minutes) is a popular method. Practice self-care during those breaks as much as possible!
And lastly, know that all the hard work you're putting in now (both studying and working) is setting you up for a brighter future! You've got this!
I appreciate your support, Katie
Haley