Ah, college. It’s the best of time and the most stressful of times. Yes, we all come to college for school and to have promising career. However, with the decline of the job market, we all know what were actually here for: the experience. There is a college pattern for most students. You have around 2 weeks blissful partying and pretending to not be an adult. BOOM. Out of nowhere you have a project , two tests, and a quiz all within three days. At one point or another most make a choice: go out this semester or stay in all semester. I personally refuse to compromise. This is the American dream. Go out enjoy yourself and make some memories but don’t allow those good times to end your college career by failing out. This semester I highly intend on making the grades of an honor student and going out as much as an alcoholic. If you would like to join me, these are the building blocks to the good life:

Attend syllabus week

Despite the jokes that we make about the first week of the year, this is actually one of the most important weeks. Almost every year, I have a professor that likes to mention something that is crucial to your grade but does not appear in writing.

Go out during syllabus week

Although this is an important week, it’s the easiest too. Most classes get out within twenty minutes and then you are free to do as you please. So yeah, it might be a Monday night, but you take that shot cause all you have to do the next day is sit.

Get a planner

If you have made it to college and you don’t have a planner, then your life is probably a mess. I'm not suggesting that having a planner means you have to go into the planner culture and Instagram your new stickers. Though, you need to at least write down when you will have multiple tests and major assignments due all on the same week.

Compare planners with your friends.

Look and see what each other schedules are like. Make it to where you can dedicate each other attention at least once a week to catch up. If there is a Wednesday where no one has assignments due, that Tuesday before is y'all's t-shirt Tuesday, live it to the fullest.

Be organized enough that you are able to be spontaneous.

Stay on top of your school work, job, and finances, so that when something fun appears out of the blue you can attend. Staying one step ahead will keep you much more stress-free and able to live in the moment.

Plan out your big events.

There are some events you clearly don’t want to miss. If bid day comes two days before your first test, study ahead. If you are unlucky enough to midterms after spring break, its best to look over your material before you leave, come back Saturday before, and buckle down that final weekend.