3 Ways To Avoid Overcommitting In College
Start writing a post
Student Life

3 Ways To Avoid Overcommitting In College

Slowly, you notice your two-hour library trips turning into seven-hour days...

113
3 Ways To Avoid Overcommitting In College
Photo by Eliabe Costa on Unsplash

It's halfway through the semester and you're sailing through your classes, so you decide to take up some extracurriculars and a job because of you're well managed and open schedule. Slowly, you notice your two-hour library trips turning into seven-hour days, you can't pay attention to the customers at work, because you're nose deep in a notebook cramming for tomorrow's COM exam, and extracurriculars stray further and further from priority. Yes, you have a bad case of mid-semester overcommitment, usually defined as the plague among college students but fortunately, you can prevent it.

1. Learn to breathe.

Most student's don't even recognize how much is on their plate until they are contemplating dropping out. While it's easy to get sucked into responsibility after responsibility, it's important to recognize when your weekly planner is just too full. If you've pulled three all-nighters this week, feel like you don't have enough time to take a breath and are surviving on pure caffeine, there's a good chance you're overcommitted and it's time to let something on your schedule go.

2. Learn to say NO.

Usually, college students are labeled as overachievers and multitasking enthusiast and while this might be true in some cases, it's usually the opposite. Most students just want to graduate and go into the field of their choice and the idea of a semester filled with a TO-DO list as long as your textbook, is anything but appealing. So, start to learn to say "no" to the fifth extra shift your boss is asking you to take, that event your club asked you to manage and tutoring your friend in economics. If it's something that desperately needs to get done, refer them to a friend or someone reliable for help.

3. Learn your limits.

Last semester might have seemed like a breeze, but every semester is different. So, if you're going to sign up for an extra class, a job, and a sports team or to hold a position in your sorority, make sure you can handle it! If you really want to do something, you should go for it, but it won't be any use to you if you can't stay fully dedicated. You'll benefit more preparing for the following term in advance and your next-semester-future-self will thank you for allowing time for naps.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

56182
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36190
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958138
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

187822
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments