Going to college is a time of transition for so many people. For freshmen, going to college is more than likely their first time away from home without their parents watching them and it comes with a great deal of responsibility. For returners, it means adjusting their schedules to get back in the swing of school with classes, work, social lives, and regular sleeping schedules.
One of the biggest changes I've noticed since I started college was the massive workload difference between high school and college. I mean, I knew things were going to be different. That college would have more work. I underestimated the difference. Another huge change I have noticed is how much more free time I have in college versus what I had in high school. I'm sure by now that you have heard the saying that you have more free time now in college than you ever will. I want to use the free time I have wisely. There is always something I could be doing.
With all of that being said, I think a lot of college students like myself find themselves in one of the two following mindsets: all work and no play or all play and no work. Neither of these mindsets are healthy. There has to be a balance between work and play. Too much work leads to stress and if you are like me, you end up sick when you stress too much. Too much play often doesn't allow for the important things to get done and more often than not, it leaves you scrambling to get things done at the last minute. You can't do homework 24/7 or watch your favorite TV show on Netflix 24/7.
There have been days and weekends (more than I care to admit) that I've spent the whole day doing homework and readings. As much work as I may or may not have gotten done, I regretted it afterwards. This is because I realized that I wasted my entire day doing work when I could have allocated some time for it and then spent the rest of my day doing something I enjoy like watching Netflix or reading & editing Odyssey articles (#EICperks). There have also been days where all I've done was watch Netflix, Youtube videos, and switch between various social media apps. I regret those days too because I know I should have at least worked on something. I should have at least gotten something done.
So, college students and millennials, what are you going to do now? I truly hope that instead of working too much or "playing" too much that you will ll find a balance that works for you. As you head into the upcoming semester or continue one that has already started, consider how you want to spend your time. School is important but don't let it be the most important thing in the world. It's not the be all end all. But, don't let your hobbies and interests take too much time away from the education you are at school to get.
