2 answers
2
Questions
Asked
389 views
What is the best advice for adjusting to life as a college student? #Fall25?
I am worried about how to balance academic load with sports, work, and social activities. #Fall25
Login to comment
2 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer, TRIO Program Administrator
1009
Answers
Updated
Paul’s Answer
To be a successful college athlete, you must be able to balance your commitment to your sport with excellent academic performance by managing your time effectively.
This includes becoming proficient at utilizing campus resources. Especially the ones that are offered to college athletes. Many athletic programs have all kinds of educational resources to help athletes. This includes athletic department advisors, who specialize in helping the athletes get into the right classes and balancing those classes with competition and practice schedules.
These athletic department academic advisors also assist with setting clear goals for academics. If the athletes need help, they normally are provided access to tutors and other academic support staff, to assist with classes. So definitely utilize all the academic resources the athletic department has for you
You must also be willing to cultivate your leadership and teamwork skills.
This means being able to communicate with coaches and professors, take care of your physical health through consistent training and recovery, and manage your personal brand and reputation.
And definitely, make sure that you understand and meet your institution's academic requirements to maintain your athletic eligibility. I knew athletes, who did not track their progress or grades, and ultimately became ineligible during their tenure at the college that I attended.
This includes becoming proficient at utilizing campus resources. Especially the ones that are offered to college athletes. Many athletic programs have all kinds of educational resources to help athletes. This includes athletic department advisors, who specialize in helping the athletes get into the right classes and balancing those classes with competition and practice schedules.
These athletic department academic advisors also assist with setting clear goals for academics. If the athletes need help, they normally are provided access to tutors and other academic support staff, to assist with classes. So definitely utilize all the academic resources the athletic department has for you
You must also be willing to cultivate your leadership and teamwork skills.
This means being able to communicate with coaches and professors, take care of your physical health through consistent training and recovery, and manage your personal brand and reputation.
And definitely, make sure that you understand and meet your institution's academic requirements to maintain your athletic eligibility. I knew athletes, who did not track their progress or grades, and ultimately became ineligible during their tenure at the college that I attended.
I'm excited to put your great advice to good use!
Connor
Updated
Wong’s Answer
HiConnor. It's important to understand that balance doesn't mean doing everything at once or perfectly. It's about learning how to manage your time and prioritize what's most important to you.
The first step is to get organized. You can use a planner or a calendar on your phone to write down your classes, sports practices, work shifts, and any social events. This way, you can see everything you have to do and when you have time for each activity. It's also helpful to break your day into blocks of time for certain tasks. For example, you can set aside mornings for studying, afternoons for sports, and evenings for work or hanging out with friends. This will help you stay on track and feel less stressed.
Another key part of balancing your time is figuring out what's most important each day. While school should be your top priority, you still need time for sports and work. It's ok if you don't have time for everything in one day, just do your best to focus on the most urgent tasks. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's ok to ask for help. You can talk to your professors, teammates, or bosses if you need extra time or a schedule change. Most people will understand, and it's better to ask for help early than to fall behind.
The first step is to get organized. You can use a planner or a calendar on your phone to write down your classes, sports practices, work shifts, and any social events. This way, you can see everything you have to do and when you have time for each activity. It's also helpful to break your day into blocks of time for certain tasks. For example, you can set aside mornings for studying, afternoons for sports, and evenings for work or hanging out with friends. This will help you stay on track and feel less stressed.
Another key part of balancing your time is figuring out what's most important each day. While school should be your top priority, you still need time for sports and work. It's ok if you don't have time for everything in one day, just do your best to focus on the most urgent tasks. If you're feeling overwhelmed, it's ok to ask for help. You can talk to your professors, teammates, or bosses if you need extra time or a schedule change. Most people will understand, and it's better to ask for help early than to fall behind.
Thank you! I like the idea of breaking my day into blocks. I feel like that could work for me. Thanks!
Connor
You're very welcome
Wong Loke Yuen