Balancing Work and School: 3 Tips for Higher Productivity

Balancing work and school has always been a struggle for me, and it’s not just work and school, but also working out and having some sort of social life. Many college students, like me, work and go to school, which is like having two full-time jobs. Currently I am taking 17 credit hours, working 25 hours a week, and working out 5 days a week. Being my senior year in college, I have learned some tricks to help me stay on track.

1. Make a plan

At the beginning of each week I always make a plan for myself. I write in my planner which days I am going to workout, which days I will be doing what homework, and always try to fit in one fun thing on the weekends. If you make a plan it is a lot easier to accomplish things and not feel overwhelmed. I also find that I hold myself accountable to actually get the stuff done that I need to.

2. Study away from home

This is a huge one for me, because I always find myself getting distracted if I study at home. I will start cleaning or doing something else and I never end up getting anything done. I prefer going to the library or a coffee shop so that I have zero distractions.

3. Multitasking

I am constantly looking for ways in which I can accomplish two things at once. For me, this means reading articles for class on the light rail, watching online lectures while doing cardio at the gym, and even drinking my coffee in the shower.