If you have some extra time on your hands, there are so many things you can do to stay both productive and entertained. It is tempting to collapse into your bed and call it a night as soon as you get back from class; however, there are many things you can do to make better use of your time.
1. Homework
This may seem like the obvious choice, but it can be very helpful. If you start assignments when you have time (aka nothing better to do), you will thank yourself later when you are crammed with tests and other assignments.
2. Laundry
While doing laundry is not the most exciting activity, it can be easy to forget about until your hamper is overflowing. Doing your laundry when you have a light load (no pun intended) will help you stay on top of things. It is also one of the simplest ways to occupy some time without sacrificing productivity.
3. Go to the gym
It can be hard to find motivation to go work out when you have a million other things going on; therefore, if you find yourself with a little time to kill, going to the gym is a great idea.
4. Take a walk
Worrying about classes, assignments, tests, and extracurricular activities can be stressful. If you can't fit in enough time to go to the gym, taking a walk is another way to burn off some steam and calm you down.
5. Explore
Grab a friend or two and head out to the town! There are many local cafes, restaurants, shops, and parks to be discovered; go seek them out and enjoy them.
6. Get involved
There are many clubs and activities on campus, go find one that suits your interests and join! Clubs can bring you closer to new friends with similar interests and talents. Many academic clubs look great on your resume and can give you some experience outside of the classroom.
7. Clean your room
Maybe its just me, but I feel so much more put together and at ease when my room is clean. Taking as little as 5-10 minutes to tidy your room can make all the difference. So put away that outfit you decided not to wear last minute and threw on the floor, clean that bowl you left behind from your spontaneous midnight snack, and pick up those papers you carelessly through on your desk.
8. Plan
This may seem boring, but it is always nice to have an idea of what your month is going to look like. Take a few minutes to jot down any tests, quizzes, or long term assignments you have coming up so you never miss a beat!
9. Pamper yourself
Between school work and socializing, it can be easy to skip out on time for yourself. Find time to relax and destress. Go do something that you enjoy and pamper yourself. Some things I enjoy doing are coloring (don't laugh, adult coloring books are amazing), making myself a hot tea, and curling up in some comfy clothes to a favorite tv show or movie.
10. Call your family
It is always a good idea to check in at home, they miss you! Being away at school can sometimes take up so much time that it distracts us from the fact that we miss our families. Chances are they are thinking about you, and would absolutely love and appreciate a phone call. Doing so will remind them that they are in your thoughts even though you are busy.
11. Netflix
I feel like I don't even need to explain why Netflix is a good idea when you have some extra time on your hands. For real, need I say more? Just try not to go overboard and look up from your laptop to find yourself 3 seasons deep in a new show.
12. Nap, nap, and nap some more
At the end of the day, being a college student is overwhelming and leaves you tired. Napping is always a good idea as long as it is not keeping you from accomplishing the various things you must do
