Online College Course Survival Guide Part 2: Maintaining a Balance between School and Life

Online College Course Survival Guide (Part 2.)

Maintaining a Balance Between School and Life

A common college student struggle is learning how to balance a personal life and school work. Students are juggling their studies, jobs, families, and personal time. But it can be done. A routine, a dedicated study space, and personal time management will lead to a harmonic balance.

Routine is Key

To maintain a balance, it is essential to have a schedule or routine. Dedicating time for weekly school work makes challenges far more manageable. For me, a planner does the trick by showing me exactly what needs to be done, and when. Breaking up the week’s workload also minimizes procrastination and marathon work session on deadline. This allows me to schedule free time throughout the week or time for family or friends on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evening. Below is an example of my basic weekly schedule. While my routine might not work for everyone, it can give you an idea of how I balance school with work and life.

• Monday evening: Complete assigned readings and notes.
• Wednesday evening: Respond to class discussion, complete quizzes.
• Saturday morning: Respond to classmates and begin writing assignments.
• Sunday: Complete and turn-in writing assignments.

Study Space

Traditional classrooms, with their desks and chalkboards, are the definition of an educational environment. In an online environment, the classroom is where and what you make it. Invest in a desk – you’ll need it. Having a desk or area dedicated to classwork also creates a clear division between home and school. In my experience, it’s been hard to focus on coursework while in the living room or sitting on the bed – the division of school and home became blurred. Buying a desk allowed me to focus on my studies. When I’m sitting at my desk it means I’m learning.

Personal Time

Likely, many students would agree that it’s difficult to find personal time between work, school, and family. It’s essential to allow yourself time to relax and de-stress from studying, and to also refocus your energy. I like to use it as a reward. For instance, when I finish a semester, I might treat myself to getting my nails done.

Beware of Overloading Yourself

Don’t take more classes than you can handle! Whether you are a part or full-time student, always choose classes carefully. A class overload leads to imbalanced work and life. My advice is that it’s more beneficial to work slow and steady rather than rushing and being overwhelmed. If you’re unsure how many classes/credits you can handle, try a one-credit course. Starting small and adding more as you go reduces overwhelm. Reach out to your student adviser for advice. I have taken any number of credits per semester, depending on factors in my personal life. For instance, when I didn’t work full-time, I was taking around 18 credits a semester. Now that I am, I take about 12 credits per semester. Take the number of credits you can handle depending on your own personal situation. Stay focused and you will find your balance. If I can do it, anyone can.