The Freshman Year of college is a time where we're supposed to be learning about ourselves and growing as people. It is the first time that we're living on our own in the "real world" and that comes with a lot of responsibility. There is so much to get done in a day, and when you get a late start or don't have any real routine set, it leads to being substantially less productive than if you had a schedule set out.

I have found that through having a schedule for myself every day, I am able to make the most out of my time and be most productive when I need to be. Part of that planning of the day though is making sure that I am always up at a decent time, and going to sleep at a decent time.

By saying "decent time" I don't mean a 5 am wake up and 10 pm bedtime. But, I ensure that whatever time I wake up, that I have plenty of time to be productive and do what I'll need to do. I schedule out what homework I'll get done on which day, and by doing that, I know exactly how much time I'll need and that helps me figure out what else I can do on that day.

I wake up around 9 am every day, and do homework until lunch. That allows me some relaxing time until my afternoon classes and afterward I can accomplish more work if I need to, leaving the whole evening open for whatever I want to. By waking up at 11 every day, it leaves less time for productivity, and then the needed productivity time cuts into relaxing time in the evening.

It may seem like it takes some extra planning, and some days it may be inconvenient, but keeping yourself to a set sleep schedule will enhance the productivity of your day by ten-fold. By keeping this routine for myself, it helps me know my boundaries and lets me ensure that I will do what needs to be done, while also still being able to enjoy myself. This schedule has allowed me to be successful with my work, while still having the college experience.