How to Balance Work, School & Social Life in College 

Even if you’re not a runner you can picture it: the marathon runner juggling as she crosses the finish line. It’s a silly image for what is a serious topic. How can you balance school, social life, and probably a part-time job while you’re in college? It’s no easy task. The good news is that with a few practical strategies, you can excel without burning out. Here are some tips. 

1. Build a Solid Schedule

Just like your high school teachers (and probably a parent!) used to tell you, plan, plan, plan. A great place to start is with a weekly schedule. Pro tip: do it before Monday morning. Map out your class and work schedule, time for study/homework, and scheduled social events—those are your non-negotiables. You can use a digital tool or paper planner, but use something that helps you see your commitments in a visual way. Just adding an event into your phone won’t be as effective as seeing the entire week at a glance. You can even color code your commitments so you know immediately what category the obligation fits into. 

And don’t jam-pack every hour. Leave breathing room! Life doesn’t always go as planned and having flexibility will keep you from over committing. It can also be helpful to designate certain days or times for specific tasks. Maybe Mondays and Wednesdays are for heavier study sessions, while Tuesdays and Thursdays are lighter.  

Find a rhythm that works for you and lean in. Set a reminder in your phone to update that weekly plan every weekend! 

2. Learn That It’s OK To Say “No”

College life can make you feel like you’re saying yes to everything—an extra shift at work, a spontaneous night out with friends, volunteering for a club event. But too many “yeses” can quickly lead to burnout—to say nothing of getting that project for Bio done.  

Keep in mind that each time you say “yes” to something, you say “no” to something else, like rest or study time. Take a moment to assess if an extra commitment is genuinely worth your energy. Saying “no” is not about being unhelpful or unfriendly; it’s about respecting your time and energy. If you’re feeling stretched, explain to friends or coworkers that you’re balancing multiple priorities. Most people will understand. 

3. Check Out Campus Resources

Many students overlook the fantastic resources colleges have available. From academic advisors to mental health services, there are options to make life easier. Academic advisors can help you plan a balanced course load, avoid overwhelming yourself, and might suggest classes that fit well with your other commitments. For mental health, check out the counseling center, especially during stressful times like midterms and finals. Talking to someone can relieve a lot of pressure and give you tools for stress management. Most campuses also offer tutoring and study sessions, which can be lifesavers when tackling tough classes. 

Just check out all NNU Student Services has to offer!  

And don’t hesitate to ask professors for help. They want you to succeed (and not just academically)! You can clarify assignments or get one-on-one help with complex topics. They’re also ready to listen if that’s what you need. NNU profs care about the whole student! 

4. Self-Care: Do It Daily

Self-care isn’t just about spa days, movie nights and drive-thru Dutch Bros. Those are nice, for sure. But what’s nicer (and more financially sustainable) is building small moments of self care into your daily routine. Some ideas: 

• Take a 10 minute break after studying or working. 

• Go for a quick walk around campus. 

• Close your eyes (no scrolling) and take 3 deep breaths. 

• Blow off some steam at the gym.  

• Do some stretches, or yoga if that’s your thing. 

• Listen to your favorite song, on repeat if you want.  

Then there’s the usual advice about getting enough sleep (a challenge for any college student), eating well (another challenge!), and staying hydrated. These things play a massive role in how you feel each day. 

Self-care is preventive maintenance. If you take care of yourself in small ways each day, you’ll be more resilient when things get stressful—as they inevitably do. 

5. Celebrate Small Wins and Stay Connected with Your VIPs

Juggling school, work, and friends is exhausting (especially while running a marathon), so celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Finish an assignment early? Give yourself a virtual pat on the back. Make it through a rough day at work? Treat yourself to a coffee. These little rewards reinforce positive behavior and help keep you motivated.  

Definitely connected with your own personal VIPs (aka friends, family!). They’ll encourage you, celebrate you, and help you get perspective when you’re feeling stressed. Make an effort to keep them in the loop about your goals and challenges; it will strengthen your relationships and remind you that you’re not alone.

6. Stay Adaptable and Embrace the Journey

Lastly, remember that achieving life balance isn’t a one and done deal. What works for you in one semester might not work in the next. College is a time of growth, and part of that growth is figuring out what balance means for you. As you adapt to new challenges and routines, don’t be afraid to reassess your approach. Life won’t always follow your plan, but staying adaptable and resilient will help you get back on track when things get tough. 

You don’t have to run a marathon while juggling. Yes, you are in a marathon—and some days will feel more like it than others. And some days you will juggle: there will inevitably come a day when you have three major projects due at the same time. Push through the tough times and celebrate—you’re going to make it!