After having a week to yourself, it’s challenging to hit the ground running with school work. It’s hard to balance school and personal projects while maintaining a social life and sleeping enough. Before you know it, projects and assignments are piled up taller than you. However, there are ways to make life easier.
Office Hours
Take advantage of the time your professors offer you. These hours are set for you to ask questions and solve problems you have with projects. Professors know how stressful things can get, especially during midterms and finals. If their office hours don’t work with your schedule, email them and try to set up a different meeting time. Nine times out of 10, they will accommodate.
Tutoring
An alternative to your professors are student tutors. The school offers tutoring in many subjects, from English to Adobe Creative Suite. If you’re struggling, don’t be scared to reach out. Tutors offer scheduled and walk-in appointments. You can learn more, or schedule an appointment here.
Spend Time with Friends
If you bury yourself in work, you become your only company. It’s hard to come up with new ideas when you’re isolated. Friends and family will stimulate your creativity and renew your mind. Forget about school projects and relax for a few hours. Walk around the city, go to dinner or play video games—whatever makes you happy.
Sleep and Eat
It’s easy to get caught up in work and forget to eat or decide not to sleep one night. But, to perform in your classes, you need to rest and eat regularly. For the late nights, get some snacks. Bring food with you to school. If you’re studying for an exam, get some people from your class together and have a big pizza party while studying Renaissance art.
Writers’ Studio
If you struggle with grammar or formatting essays, visit the Writers’ Studio located in the ACA Library. The center offers help with AP Style, citations and teaches you techniques to become a better writer. You can schedule by appointment or attend the weekly workshops.
Alone Time
Remember to spend time with yourself. While outside relationships are meaningful, private time is, too. Treat yourself to your favorite meal or watch Netflix while you’re curled up in bed. Don’t be afraid to walk away from your friends to relax and not think about anything. Other people can help with your creative process just as much as you can on your own. Find a healthy balance and you will be set.
