2 answers
Kalel
Student
Ridgefield Park, New Jersey
1
Question
Asked
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How to gauge your Work-Life Balance #Spring26?
I'm an incoming freshman in college as of Fall '26 and would like to become heavily active on campus life. This is by way of joining a number of clubs that interest me, interacting with loads of students and professors, and hopefully becoming an RA. As I was relatively reserved in High School, I was wondering how to gauge your limit on how much is too active and how to make sure you can juggle this with schoolwork. #Spring26
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2 answers
Ilan Marouani, Esq., LL.M.
Tax Attorney
30
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ilan’s Answer
Hi Kalel,
This ambitious endeavor sounds exciting and incredible.
To avoid stretching yourself too thin, first see your class schedule and understand how much time do you feel you might need to spend on studying for classes and exams. That will already tell you how much time you have free between clubs, going out, chilling, sleeping....
Secondly, joining clubs does not mean that you have to show up to every event, meeting, or assembly. Clubs are not like sports, so if you don't go to some events, they won't quick you out or anything. Joining several clubs is a good idea, to test the waters, see if you like it, see if you enjoy spending time with the people there, and if the events themselves are interesting enough for you.
Many clubs could sound amazing but might end up being very boring because of the people who run them, or just because the name does not match the actual club, and sometimes a very boring club can be the most amazing experience ever!
At the end of the day, College is all about trial and error. It is about discovering yourself without your parents on your back, to push your limits and see where they are at, to test yourself and see how much you can handle on your own. It is about teaching you life skills in a somewhat structured manner, so that when you get to the job market, and have a 9-5 you know where you stand, you understand yourself and can prepare for the day-to-day.
I wish you good luck, and remember to just have fun and enjoy the experience!
This ambitious endeavor sounds exciting and incredible.
To avoid stretching yourself too thin, first see your class schedule and understand how much time do you feel you might need to spend on studying for classes and exams. That will already tell you how much time you have free between clubs, going out, chilling, sleeping....
Secondly, joining clubs does not mean that you have to show up to every event, meeting, or assembly. Clubs are not like sports, so if you don't go to some events, they won't quick you out or anything. Joining several clubs is a good idea, to test the waters, see if you like it, see if you enjoy spending time with the people there, and if the events themselves are interesting enough for you.
Many clubs could sound amazing but might end up being very boring because of the people who run them, or just because the name does not match the actual club, and sometimes a very boring club can be the most amazing experience ever!
At the end of the day, College is all about trial and error. It is about discovering yourself without your parents on your back, to push your limits and see where they are at, to test yourself and see how much you can handle on your own. It is about teaching you life skills in a somewhat structured manner, so that when you get to the job market, and have a 9-5 you know where you stand, you understand yourself and can prepare for the day-to-day.
I wish you good luck, and remember to just have fun and enjoy the experience!
Brooke Jones
Product Management
51
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Brooke’s Answer
It’s great that you want to get more involved in college. Start by understanding your schedule and building a routine. Map out your class times and study blocks so you know how much free time you actually have—and be sure to include downtime. Giving yourself space to relax and reset is key to avoiding unnecessary stress and burnout.
Next, be careful not to overcommit. It’s better to start with one club or activity and see what you can realistically handle before adding more. Keep school as your top priority, then build everything else around that routine in a way that feels manageable.
Next, be careful not to overcommit. It’s better to start with one club or activity and see what you can realistically handle before adding more. Keep school as your top priority, then build everything else around that routine in a way that feels manageable.