3 answers
Nathaniel
Student
Green Bay, Wisconsin
1
Question
Asked
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How am I able to balance school and activities like sports and hobbies more efficiently ?
I am currently a 2nd year chemical engineering student at Michigan Technological University. I love to swim and am on the college club swim team.
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3 answers
Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Advisor | Freelance Writer | TRIO Program Director
1098
Answers
Tacoma, Washington
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Utilize Departmental Resources: I strongly advise athletes to use specialized athletic department advisors. These experts help schedule classes that do not conflict with practice or game times and can provide access to tutors or support staff.
Proactive Communication: Effective communication with both coaches and professors is essential for managing conflicts before they arise.
Successful student-athletes must master the art of time management and utilize institutional resources to balance their dual commitments.
Proactive Communication: Effective communication with both coaches and professors is essential for managing conflicts before they arise.
Successful student-athletes must master the art of time management and utilize institutional resources to balance their dual commitments.
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
737
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Nathaniel. Balancing school with sports, hobbies, and other activities can be challenging. The best way to manage everything is by planning and using your time wisely. You need to look at your weekly schedule and write down classes, labs, study time, swim practice, and other activities. Using a planner or digital calendar can help you see where your time goes and avoid scheduling too much at once.
It's also important to know what's most important each week. Some tasks, like exams or big projects, need more attention than others. When you know your priorities, you can decide how much time to spend on schoolwork versus hobbies or sports. For example, you might reduce swim practice for a week if you have a big exam coming up, then go back to your normal schedule afterward.
You can also try to combine activities when it makes sense. For example, you can review notes during breaks at swim practice or study with friends to learn faster and save time. Using focused study methods, like short timed sessions with clear goals, can help you get more done in less time without feeling stressed.
It's also important to know what's most important each week. Some tasks, like exams or big projects, need more attention than others. When you know your priorities, you can decide how much time to spend on schoolwork versus hobbies or sports. For example, you might reduce swim practice for a week if you have a big exam coming up, then go back to your normal schedule afterward.
You can also try to combine activities when it makes sense. For example, you can review notes during breaks at swim practice or study with friends to learn faster and save time. Using focused study methods, like short timed sessions with clear goals, can help you get more done in less time without feeling stressed.
Shannon Zulauf
Risk & Independence
66
Answers
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
Nathaniel - This is a great question—and the fact that you’re asking it shows you care about both your academics and your well-being.
This may sound a little counterintuitive, but you often don’t realize how much time you actually have in a day until you intentionally add in something you enjoy, like swimming. Activities you care about can create structure rather than take it away.
One of the most helpful habits that helps me is organizing your day the night before. Taking even 10 minutes to look at what tomorrow holds—classes, practices, assignments, and other commitments—can reduce stress and help you start the day feeling more grounded.
I would also say make sure that you aware of how you’re feeling. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times, especially in a demanding major like chemical engineering. When that happens, it’s also okay to pause and take a break. Rest isn’t a failure—it’s part of maintaining balance and preventing burnout.
Efficiency isn’t about filling every minute of the day—it’s about being intentional and flexible. Some weeks school will need more attention, and other weeks your activities will. Balance shifts, and that’s normal.
You’re already doing something right by staying connected to what you love. Learning when to push and when to pause is a skill that will serve you well far beyond college.
Good Luck with your balance! You've got this!
This may sound a little counterintuitive, but you often don’t realize how much time you actually have in a day until you intentionally add in something you enjoy, like swimming. Activities you care about can create structure rather than take it away.
One of the most helpful habits that helps me is organizing your day the night before. Taking even 10 minutes to look at what tomorrow holds—classes, practices, assignments, and other commitments—can reduce stress and help you start the day feeling more grounded.
I would also say make sure that you aware of how you’re feeling. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed at times, especially in a demanding major like chemical engineering. When that happens, it’s also okay to pause and take a break. Rest isn’t a failure—it’s part of maintaining balance and preventing burnout.
Efficiency isn’t about filling every minute of the day—it’s about being intentional and flexible. Some weeks school will need more attention, and other weeks your activities will. Balance shifts, and that’s normal.
You’re already doing something right by staying connected to what you love. Learning when to push and when to pause is a skill that will serve you well far beyond college.
Good Luck with your balance! You've got this!