<p>I was wondering if anybody has suggestions on how to properly balance studying and a social life in college? I see myself spending a lot of time on school work in college even during my first semester because I REALLY want to do well, I feel like I'm <em>supposed to</em> do well, and I went to a very demanding high school, so I know that college is challenging and not some academic country club just because there is more free time available than there was during high school. Is it okay if I schedule times when I would ideally study (e.g. every Tuesday at 2 PM), or would I be missing out on potential friendships if I'm overly structured in my approach to studying? I'm also attending a college which is not a pressure cooker environment and was a low match for me admissions-wise, so while I know there are going to be some equally dedicated and/or obsessive students there, the student body as a whole would probably be more laid back than I am and potentially think I'm antisocial if I'd rather study for an hour than watch Jersey Shore on a whim (and I think I noticed this during orientation). Any tips?</p>
<p>i think the best way is to learn about and understand yourself. personally, I tried to separate my study time from my social life. not on a schedule, but as I went through the day and found a few hours available, I would find a place to study away from whatever my friends might be doing. i’d have friends that I would study with, but only do that with people who would be focused. </p>
<p>first semester, i did a lot of studying in the lounge outside my room. there would always be a group of my friends chillin there and i’d try to do my homework. it can work, many of my friends do all there homework in that lounge with all the distractions. going into second semester though, it seemed much more productive to go to a library or even just find and empty lounge or classroom. </p>
<p>i could get more more homework done and then get back to the lounge where I could join in be distracting some of my other friends doing homework in the lounge. but they say its more fun to do homework like that and maybe you’ll think the same…</p>
<p>Do all your work during the day.</p>
<p>If you have a lot of time in between classes then do your work then…personally I didn’t have anything else to do during that time when I was taking classes.</p>
<p>Be sure to set aside at least 1-2 hours a day to socialize and integrate into the community. You don’t want to get sucked into studying ever hour of the day. Make time to find activities you like and try to devote time to them.</p>
<p>trial and error
moderation</p>
<p>If there’s an hour or so between your classes take the time and do work for another class. Don’t just study in your dorm. Go out to the library. Join at least 1 club that you find interesting so that you can have an easy way to meet new people and be involved on campus. Form study groups in your classes. The people you study with can easily become friends you can hang out with.</p>