Picture this: you’re out with friends, laughing over some joke, music buzzing in the background, not a care in the world. You’re completely in the moment… when your stomach suddenly sinks. That assignment you’ve been putting off? Due at 11:59 p.m.
Do you pull up Canvas on your phone and frantically try to get something turned in, or just accept defeat and take the zero? Either way, the night is about to be a lot less fun.
Almost every student has had this debate at some point. After all, college is basically one long balancing act: classes, clubs, work, friends, sleep (if you’re lucky).
The trick isn’t choosing one or the other; it’s figuring out how to juggle it all without burning out.
These tips will help you pass your classes and make time for everything else that matters:
GO TO CLASS
It sounds obvious, but skipping class adds up fast, not just in missed lessons but wasted tuition dollars. Check out this story about the cost of skipping class. (link)
Start Strong
The beginning of the semester is the best time to establish good habits. Completing assignments early on establishes a strong foundation for the rest of the semester. Otherwise, one missing assignment turns into two, and it can be easy to fall behind.
Stay Organized
Keep track of your schedule. A physical planner works for some, but if you’re more of a tech person, apps like TimeTree or Google Calendar let you plug in classes, projects, and get reminders before deadlines sneak up on you.
Learn to Say “No”
Setting boundaries is key. FOMO (fear of missing out) makes it hard to decline invitations, but you can’t say yes to everything. If it’s your best friend’s birthday, go celebrate. But you don’t need to hit every soccer game, late-night WAWA run, or night out to stay connected.
Create a Routine
Once you find what works, stick with it. Setting aside specific times for studying, activities, and downtime helps prevent last-minute panic. Procrastination is tempting (we’re all guilty of it), but having a routine makes it harder to push things off.
Use Your Resources
Neumann’s Student Success Center (SSC) is here to help. Tutors are available for tough classes, the Writing Center can look over your papers, and academic coaches can work with you on time management and study strategies.
According to the Neumann website, the John C. Ford Student Success Center’s goal is to “offer a personal academic support experience tailored to the individual needs of each student.”
Asking for help can feel intimidating, but it pays off.
Annie Rodriguez, a junior nursing major who tutors in the SSC, explained that “sometimes having another person who is just attentive to you, there to brainstorm with you, and that can help with figuring things out piece by piece, greatly increases your confidence right before that big exam — helping you feel 110% sure.”
Finding balance between academics and a social life is one of the biggest challenges in college, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. With a little structure and support, you won’t be the one frantically opening Canvas at 11 p.m.
