Heading back to school can be completely overwhelming. You've just had four months to goof around and do nothing. And even if you spent your summer working or taking classes, it still doesn't exactly prepare you for heading back in the fall. So here is a list of ways to cope (and overcome) with being entirely too busy.
1. Make a list.
Simply writing things down can really make things seem a little more manageable. You can get things on paper, or order them by priority. Try ordering your assignments by due date, or your appointments, club meetings, and auditions by the date that they fall on.
2. Now ACTUALLY do what's on the list.
Just writing down what you have to do and staring at it will probably make things worse. So plan out when you're going to get it all done. You could try writing a 'done-by' date next to each, or force yourself to get at least one thing done per day.
Now if you're like me, this can be a difficult task. You see, will power isn't exactly your strong suit. But that's OK, as the due-date approaches, hopefully you'll do whatever it is you're supposed to out of fear of failing or being fired.
3. Plan out HOW you're going to get things done.
If what you need to do is difficult or time consuming, then creating a 'how' can be very helpful. Try deciding when you're going to do each piece of a big project, or what tools you need to finish that assignment. If you know how to do what you need to do then you'll be more likely to actually do it.
4. Be logical.
Unless you're a superhero you're not going to be able to do everything and even Clark Kent had to take a break sometimes. So if taking 20 units, being president of your sorority, heading a volunteer program, working at a part-time job and choreographing for your dance team is just too much for you then maybe you need to evaluate what you really want to be doing.
If the stress is worth it to you to be able to do anything and everything then by all means. However, if crying yourself to sleep after your 18-hour day doesn't sound like the bee's knees, then putting something aside for a while could be the answer.
5. Enjoy yourself.
College is a shorter ride than you think. These four years will be over before you know it. So don't let yourself look back and think about how stressed and overloaded you were. Look back and think of how much fun you had doing things you loved.
If the stress is overshadowing the fun and excitement of college then you know it's time for a change. So make whatever adjustments work best for you and your schedule so that you can enjoy what little time you have here.
