How to Solve the Time Dilemma in College
There’s a very old theory about college. Namely that the entire journey consists of three separate challenges: getting accepted, getting it paid for, and getting through (to graduation).
Fortunately, those who are diligent enough to break the dilemma down into its key parts can maneuver their way through four years of schooling. And get a diploma, or do the same in one, two, or three years for a master’s degree.
Aside from the question of financing the whole thing and filling out a successful application for college admission, actually getting decent grades and ending up with a diploma in your hands is probably the toughest single piece of the puzzle. Tacking the challenge of scheduling day-to-day life is trickier than most people expect. Coursework is designed to make you think, and to make you spend time digesting new ideas, theories, and concepts.
In addition to classes and homework, the more subtle difficulty is scheduling. From the minute you walk into that first class, every day becomes a kind of juggling act. Unlike a typical working day which lasts eight hours with a break for lunch, academic schedules are a mix of timing nuances. On top of it all there’s the question of homework, extracurricular activities, social life, sleep, exercise. And maybe even a part-time job. How do people cram all those things into their life for two or more years and come out sane? The good news is they do, it’s possible, and you can do it too. Here’s a summary of the overall situation most future college students face. Along with some real-world suggestions for dealing with them.
Real-World Suggestions for College Students
Paying for an Education
Fortunately, paying for school is the least difficult of the three hurdles. Unlike prior eras, today’s situation allows just about anyone who wants to attend college to do so. That’s because even if you have no savings or other financial resources to speak of, it’s possible to take out a private loan from a private lender to pay for the education-related expenses. Plus, applying is as easy as filling out a short online application and getting a quick response. One of the best things about private lenders is that their student loans come with realistic repayment periods. In addition to sensible terms and interest rates for every budget.
Time Tracking and Time Management Solutions
Are you struggling to manage your day? Have you tried in vain to prioritize homework, sleep, class time, and all the other obligations of life? Fortunately, there are plenty of tracking and management apps and scheduling systems that can help out. The main thing to remember is that when it comes to making and sticking to a workable schedule, you’re really looking at two completely different problems.
Certainly, the first is what some people call managing the hours of each day. This is actually the nuts-and-bolts of controlling the clock, knowing what you should be doing from minute to minute. If you spent time in the military, you already know about fixed schedules and daily or weekly charts that are like maps for every minute of your life. The second part of scheduling is controlling your behavior. You can have the most efficient, detailed written schedule, but if you fall asleep during study sessions, fail to get to class, or don’t have the discipline to study every day, then all the charts in the world won’t help you.
Apps Can Help
One of the easiest, fastest, no-cost solutions is to download one of the free time management apps and input all your schedule data. Certainly, the better apps will offer your several arrangements for study, sleep, and social activities. However, that’s the simple part. The bigger demand is getting habits under control and following the schedule that the app spits out.
College Counselors Know about Behavior
Perhaps the smartest move you can make is to speak with an academic counselor at your school. That’s what these folks do for a living, and they can come up with a number of suggestions and techniques for helping you overcome habits that get in the way of academic success. For instance, a trained advisor can direct you to medical resources if you have trouble sleeping or with substance abuse, offer effective tips for using those apps to your advantage, and show you how other students have dealt with the exact same things you’re facing.
About the author:
Drew Allen is a financial enthusiast, seasoned blogger, music and sports fanatic. He enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and daughter fishing and boating. He dedicates to his 15+ year career in the banking, mortgage, and personal finance industry.
Real-world suggestions for college students
- How to pay for your education
Today you can apply for a private loan with realistic repayment periods, sensible terms, and interest rates for every budget.
- Use time management solutions
Tracking and management apps and scheduling systems can help out.
- Reach out to college counselors
Academic counselors can come up with a number of suggestions and techniques for helping you overcome habits that get in the way of academic success.
