Now that everyone has gone back to college, I'm sure you are already bombarded with loads and loads of homework just like me. Rider University began classes Wednesday, September 5, and in just the first three days of class, it is safe to say that I feel like my brain is fried from the numerous readings and quizzes thus far. While I am excited to be taking the classes which apply to my major(s), I did not fully realize the intensity and challenge I had signed up for.

I am taking a total of 16 credits this fall semester, five classes of three credits each and one, which is a one-credit lab that coincides with my Future of Natural Resources class. Now, don't get me wrong, I am still excited about this semester, but I'm also feeling a little overwhelmed with everything that has been thrown at me thus far.

Here's a difference I've noticed between my freshman and sophomore year classes, even with just the first full week under my belt:

Freshman Year Classes:

While my freshman year classes, both in the fall and spring semesters were challenging, they were general education classes, meaning every student at one point had to take them. Therefore, most can attest to the tedious work or papers written weekly.

They also didn't require as much time to complete assignments because they weren't too difficult.

Sophomore Year Classes:

As previously mentioned, it is usually sophomore year when students begin taking classes that correlate to their specific major(s). In my case, these classes are Education and English classes. These classes are more difficult in terms of required readings, exams, and papers. These assignments require more thought, both creatively and critically, and are longer in length. Therefore, one must master the art of time management.

The amount of work I've gotten in one week is about equal to the amount of homework I had in three weeks during freshman year.

On a side note, if you got away with procrastinating back in high school or even freshman year of college, you're in for a rude awakening. If you think procrastinating in sophomore year will help you ace your classes, think more logically. College by no means is supposed to be easy, but learning effective time management for your work is crucial in helping to reduce your workload and ease your stress.