There is no such thing as a perfect schedule in college. It's either we're busy or not doing anything at all, both of which aren't perfect. Although most of the time, we end up with weird, awkward gaps in our schedule. Gaps aren't that bad if you use your time wisely and productively. Here is a list of the things I do to feel productive during each gap in my schedule:
1. Stay ahead of homework.
Getting homework done is impossible at this time because I get so easily distracted with things. Nevertheless, it sure is the best way to get your homework started without having to worry about it later on. Procrastinating is bad, people .... I think.
2. Workout.
Gosh, this part is really hard for me because I LOVE dressing up for classes no matter how lazy I get. Also, I don't really want to carry gym clothes around along with my 500 pound backpack. Oh, and I don't like being all sweaty for my next class. I feel more inclined to do it after work and my classes. But that's just me.
3. Watch Netflix.
I love binge watching during my free time between classes. It makes me feel like I'm actually doing something somewhat productive with my life.
4. Get some laundry done.
I remember when I lived in the dorms, I would always do my laundry on a weekday because it gets pretty cramped and full on the weekends. To do so, I try to fit "laundry" in between my classes. It's all about time management. It's also a good way to catch up on some reading while waiting for laundry to get done.
5. Take a power nap.
Power naps are great. I feel like it refreshes my mind. Just don't forget to set an alarm to wake up and don't be late for class. I remember a power nap tip my workshop leader told us two years ago: Hold out a water bottle when taking a power nap, and you'll know when to wake up when it falls.
6. Eat.
This... this is the reason I gained so much weight. Having meal points saved my life my first two years of college, and now that I live off campus, I'm stuck with ramen. But seriously, eat because you don't want to be that person whose stomach growls out of no where in the middle of class.
7. Visit a professor.
When I feel like I don't understand a topic in one of my classes, I take my time in between classes to visit my professor. If their office hours don't fall during my free time, I email or call them to set up an appointment. Having a one on one with my professors really helps me boost my grades.
8. Hang out with friends.
It usually gets tough when I feel like I barely have time to hang out with friends by the end of the day due to homework and studying. However, the gaps in between classes feel like a perfect time for me to laugh, talk and catch up with them.
9. Get coffee and read a book.
Coffee is always a good idea to me. I usually just get coffee, find a place to sit and catch up on some readings before my next class starts.
10. Study!
Definitely studying during a gap is the most productive thing to do. If I don't understand something, I take a moment to go to the library and really try my best to comprehend the subject.
11. Clean your room
I don't know about you, but my room is always a mess by the end of the week. It was a lot easier to clean my room in between classes when I lived in the dorms, but now that I live a few blocks away from campus, it gets harder to clean my room. I now have to wait until the weekend to get some cleaning done.
