How would you recommend balancing the social and academic aspects of college?

Hi Antonia,

College is a place for you to learn and grow as an individual. You will learn how to balance the things in your life and how to best utilize your time. It may be difficult at first to manage your time but you will find out what works best for you. I would recommend putting set time aside to focus on your academics and school work maybe right after your classes or during your downtime throughout the day then enjoy your social life at night. There will be times that you may have to dedicate more time towards your school work but that is ok. When you do get a chance to spend more time developing your social aspects of college there are opportunities to join clubs or social events that are held by the school. Take advantage of the different programs your school has to offer you, you will be surprised how many people you can meet!

This is a great question and one that I think every college student struggles with! You have already received a lot of great advice. I would just add that not every day has to be the same mix of social and academic. Some days, you may be able to do 50% social and 50% academic. Other days, like during finals week, you may need to be 100% academic. It's definitely a balance!

This might be one of the most difficult things you do as a young adult. Freshmen year tends to be the most difficult because it is generally the first year of true "freedom".  While college should be about he academics, you should also strive to have FUN! The key is finding a balance! Maybe start off by allowing yourself a couple "play dates" a week ....  see if that works.  If not, then adjust accordingly. Time Management skills will be key to success in college.  You will have to learn to say "NO".  It is not always easy...  but sometimes necessary.  Trust me, there will be plenty of good times and social events throughout your college journey so missing some social functions will not be the end of the world. Take care of BUSINESS first. .. which of course is the reason you are there and paying thousands of dollars.

Social life is a very important part of the college experience.

Do not isolate. I know is tough but as time goes by you'll realize sociallizing is as important as academics.

Of course some times you'd have to choose.

For me it was easy, when I needed to study I did. But the rest of the year I tried to stay in touch with my friends, some of which still my friends 20 years later.

Don't be stress, you will find the way to make it work.

Hi Antonia,

This is a great question, and I believe there is no one right answer. College is a place for students to learn and grow, and to be honest it goes by very quick. I would recommend that you set some goals out for yourself. Depending on the type of college experience you want, I believe any campus can offer the right amount of support for you. I would also suggest that there are many parts of college where socializing and academics do not have to be separated. For example, I know that there are many academic clubs , activities, and groups that you could join that would further your academic goals, but would also give you the social aspect of college. These clubs are not limited to academics; I was involved in an Asian Heritage club and I was able to take a leadership position within the group that helped me during my job/internship search. I hope this helped. Good luck!

I speak from my point of view, I think there is time for everything, when I study my dilemma was between the exercise, my girlfriend, and the study, you must know your priorities, the study should be the most important, if you know that you can not go to bed late because the next day you do not give up, you tell your friends that you do not go out that day, and that you will accompany them another day, and that other day you enjoy it as never, but you are calm of the duty, it is my opinion.