4 answers
Aciel
Student
Pasadena, California
1
Question
Asked
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How do you balance your academic and social life?
I'm transferring into my Sophomore year at Otis College in the Game and Entertainment Design Major, starting in August 2025! I'm beyond excited to attend and make new friends, but I worry about the workload affecting my ability to stay close with my current friends.
College students- How do you balance your academic and social life, while also having personal downtime?
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4 answers
CHUNTING DONG
36
Answers
Updated
CHUNTING’s Answer
Hi Aciel,
Here are some friendly tips from my practice:
- Join clubs and groups: Get involved in clubs related to your major or hobbies. It's a fun way to meet new people who like the same things you do and make friends. For example, you could join a game development club at Otis College.
- Plan time with friends: Just like you plan study time, set aside time for hanging out. This could be a weekly movie night or a weekend trip. Let your friends know your schedule ahead of time so they know when you're free.
Remember, it's important to stay flexible and change your plans if needed. College life can be full of surprises, but with good planning, you can balance everything well.
Here are some friendly tips from my practice:
- Join clubs and groups: Get involved in clubs related to your major or hobbies. It's a fun way to meet new people who like the same things you do and make friends. For example, you could join a game development club at Otis College.
- Plan time with friends: Just like you plan study time, set aside time for hanging out. This could be a weekly movie night or a weekend trip. Let your friends know your schedule ahead of time so they know when you're free.
Remember, it's important to stay flexible and change your plans if needed. College life can be full of surprises, but with good planning, you can balance everything well.
Wendy Hu
3
Answers
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
Hi there, Balancing academics, social life and personal downtime as a transfer student can be challenging, but with intentional planning, you can thrive in all aeras. Here are some tips for your reference.
1. Prioritize and Schedule
- Use a planner/digital calendar to block time for classes, study sessions, socializing, and alone time.
- Set academic goals first (eg. finish assignment by Friday afternoon so weekends are free.)
- Schedule friend time like an appointment- this ensure you stay connected without last minute guilt.
2. Combine social and downtime
- Study with friends (eg. library session with breaks for coffee or a walk)
- Low-effort hangouts (movie nights, gym sessions or shared meals instead of time-intensive outings).
3. Stay flexible & Reflect
- Check in weekly: Are you feeling balanced? Adjust as needed.
- Be kind to yourself - some weeks will be study-heavy, others more social. That is normal.
I hope you will enjoy your sophomore year - it is a great fresh start!
1. Prioritize and Schedule
- Use a planner/digital calendar to block time for classes, study sessions, socializing, and alone time.
- Set academic goals first (eg. finish assignment by Friday afternoon so weekends are free.)
- Schedule friend time like an appointment- this ensure you stay connected without last minute guilt.
2. Combine social and downtime
- Study with friends (eg. library session with breaks for coffee or a walk)
- Low-effort hangouts (movie nights, gym sessions or shared meals instead of time-intensive outings).
3. Stay flexible & Reflect
- Check in weekly: Are you feeling balanced? Adjust as needed.
- Be kind to yourself - some weeks will be study-heavy, others more social. That is normal.
I hope you will enjoy your sophomore year - it is a great fresh start!
Kelly Smyth
Visual development, character design, storyboards
24
Answers
Cupertino, California
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Yoooo I went to Otis! Hope you have a fun time there!
This is just my experience, but as an animation student (which used to be basically the same major as game design), it was very easy to get along with others. I had never been in an environment where I was SURROUNDED by people who liked the same things as me. Living near them and going to all the same classes will help you get to know each other and plan events together, just be prepared to communicate your feelings if you run into a disagreement! (Especially if it concerns your roommates.) That being said, I'm very introverted and spend lots of time by myself. At the very least I text people every now and then about what I've been up to.
I think where you're living may play a role, too. I know you said you're a transfer sophomore, but I knew a few transfer students who stayed in the same dorms that freshmen are required to live in. There's also an apartment complex across the street that accommodates lots of students, and the campus is very small, too. Point being if you live nearby, there's basically no commute time, and that leaves you with more time to spend with friends; whether they're new friends or if you're calling somebody from back home. In fact it might be fun or helpful for a friend to stay on the phone with you when you're working on a project, since it does get boring after too long haha
This is just my experience, but as an animation student (which used to be basically the same major as game design), it was very easy to get along with others. I had never been in an environment where I was SURROUNDED by people who liked the same things as me. Living near them and going to all the same classes will help you get to know each other and plan events together, just be prepared to communicate your feelings if you run into a disagreement! (Especially if it concerns your roommates.) That being said, I'm very introverted and spend lots of time by myself. At the very least I text people every now and then about what I've been up to.
I think where you're living may play a role, too. I know you said you're a transfer sophomore, but I knew a few transfer students who stayed in the same dorms that freshmen are required to live in. There's also an apartment complex across the street that accommodates lots of students, and the campus is very small, too. Point being if you live nearby, there's basically no commute time, and that leaves you with more time to spend with friends; whether they're new friends or if you're calling somebody from back home. In fact it might be fun or helpful for a friend to stay on the phone with you when you're working on a project, since it does get boring after too long haha
Melodie Smith
Tax Administrative Professional
1
Answer
Hawthorne, California
Updated
Melodie’s Answer
Hi Aciel!
Great question! Admittedly, I had the same question during my undergraduate program.
I'd say the key to balancing your academic and social life is building a routine that works for you. In addition, tracking your routine/plans in a digital calendar (like a phone) or a physical planner.
Similar to you, while I was excited to make new friends, I also wanted to maintain and grow my existing friendships. In an effort to do so, my friends and I selected certain days of the month to meet. We decided that every 1st of the month, we'd do a video call to catch up; and every 15th of the month, we'd hangout in person. I found that knowing the dates in advance and tracking them in a planner, allowed me to balance my academic and social life without the feeling of overwhelm.
I hope you find the same balance during your educational journey. Wishing you all the best!
Great question! Admittedly, I had the same question during my undergraduate program.
I'd say the key to balancing your academic and social life is building a routine that works for you. In addition, tracking your routine/plans in a digital calendar (like a phone) or a physical planner.
Similar to you, while I was excited to make new friends, I also wanted to maintain and grow my existing friendships. In an effort to do so, my friends and I selected certain days of the month to meet. We decided that every 1st of the month, we'd do a video call to catch up; and every 15th of the month, we'd hangout in person. I found that knowing the dates in advance and tracking them in a planner, allowed me to balance my academic and social life without the feeling of overwhelm.
I hope you find the same balance during your educational journey. Wishing you all the best!