Concentrate on what's important to survive college life

By Megan Sonderegger

March 28, 2006 | When the dark circles underneath students' eyes become even darker, showering becomes a time-wasting task, the popular place to hang out becomes the library/computer lab and lighthearted conversation turns to blank stares followed by absent-minded gestures of understanding, I know the end of school is looming nearer.

I, like many Utah State students, am a hard-working student trying to get through the chaos of college with the experience needed to compete in the work force, as well as presentable grades. Sometimes my efforts are successful and sometimes they fail miserably, leading me to the ultimate question: How am I going to survive this?

In contemplating this question several times throughout my educational experience I have come to recognize a helpful organizational pattern, and in sharing this advice, could help those of you who are developing complexes due to stress.

Organize your tasks

Between studying, work, extracurricular activities, and social dates, confusing priorities is common and understandable. Make sure you realize which of your activities is the most important and prioritize accordingly. If you have a huge test on Friday you may not want to spend Thursday night at club NVO.

Make a list

After organizing your thoughts, make a clear list of all the things you need to accomplish during the day. Never allow yourself to procrastinate from the list, make sure you accomplish everything you have written down before you let anything interfere with your original plan. Make sure to check everything off the list as you finish the tasks listed. Besides the satisfaction of drawing a line through your accomplished goals this allows you time to form a reward after you've completely finished

Reward yourself

After accomplishing the goals established on your list allow yourself time for leisure. Relax. Whatever it is you want to do you will feel better doing it after you've finished the things you know you need to do. Taking time to reward yourself is a necessity in order to maintain a healthy and motivated lifestyle.

Stay ahead of schedule

If you're always ahead you'll never have to worry about getting caught up right? Staying ahead of the game will always benefit you. If something comes up and you have to change your plans slightly you'll be able to avoid anxiety attacks because you'll have allotted yourself plenty of time to allow for mistakes in your scheduling.

Give yourself the weekend off

School days means school days. Try and do everything required of you before the weekend rolls around, this allows for a nice long break. Everybody needs a break. If you're constantly studying your brain becomes strained and will not function to the best of its ability. A weekend off is needed in every college students life. Once the weekend is over you will have the motivation to start afresh and will be able to accomplish more.

Just say no

As a student everybody has unending opportunities to do more. Remember, although you have the opportunity to do more doesn't mean you have to do more. Saying no can be challenging but saying yes and trying to balance everything required of you is even more challenging. Learn to say no.

Allow others to help you

When someone offers to help you the natural reaction is to thank them, shrug it off and continue in your bitter quest to do everything "all by yourself." Avoid the pity party and allow others to help you, they want which is why they offered.

Love learning

Ultimately the purpose of college is to gain knowledge and understanding in subjects of interest to you. Don't focus so much on grades just try to focus on gaining as much knowledge as possible and the grades will come. College is a once in a lifetime experience, although it can at time be stressful and demanding take advantage and appreciate the opportunity because you'll probably never get it again.

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