In a life full of responsibilities, time commitments, personal relationships and leisurely activities, people are often faced with the tough decision of how much time to dedicate to what. As a college student, balance is the key to making these decisions. While everyone could use some balance in their lives, perhaps we are the age group that could learn the most from it.

       

Perhaps two of the biggest elements in a students’ life are school itself and a social life. From day one, we enter a new strange place with so many unfamiliar faces who are in the same boat. We often quickly bond with these people because of this and might even be lucky enough to form some of the strongest friendships. However, students are quick to learn that they must prioritize in order to make time for both of these important aspects.

       

So where do we draw the line? In one basic answer, we are here to get an education and build ourselves up for our future. But that doesn’t mean that you need to drown yourself in work to the point where you are going stir-crazy. Just because you have a lot going on does not necessarily mean that you can’t have fun. Sure, students need to get their work done in order to succeed. However, one simple solution is finding study buddies to get some of that work done! These people don’t even need to be in the same classes as you. Simply sitting with your friends and cranking out some work can go a long way in improving the conditions of being productive. You won’t be alone and study breaks can easily be more exciting.

       

However, there will be times when getting work done or studying are best done alone. It removes distractions and you might actually get more work done quicker and more efficiently this way. That isn’t to say that you can’t have fun, though. Getting things done rapidly means more free time and more free time means getting to be social. It’s essentially a win-win if done right.

       

Balancing a social life while trying to build your future can actually be easier than you think. As most college students are told over and over, becoming involved on campus can be a great investment into your future. It’s a way to build skills and increase networking. This also means that you get the chance to meet new people and make new friends. So there you have it- you can essentially build your skillset while also being social.

       

Searching for balance between school and friends can seem overwhelming at first. However, discovering and deconstructing your options can lead to new ways of incorporating both aspects. While it’s often normal for students to be stuck at a crossroads of procrastination with upcoming deadlines, pushing through to get work done can often be beneficial in terms of time-management- especially when a social life is part of the picture. Why not enjoy the best of both worlds?