Life without the supervision of your Mammy – and family – can be tough. You’ve to cook and clean up after yourself, as well as trying to balance your social life and bank balance.
Disorganised people can still perform well in college as they are often smart, pay attention in class, and have the ability to study effectively. But, overall, their quality of life is probably lessened by a general lack of togetherness.
It’s important to sleep properly in college and not to exist merely on a caffeine buzz. So if you didn’t get the grades you expected last semester, if you spent more money than you thought you would, or if you were tired or hungover the whole time, here are some tips on how to turn it around.
Have a routine
Go to the library at least once a week. Even if you don’t have any exams or assignments due, you can get online and check when they’re due, brainstorm what you’ll cover and even read up on a few topics while you’re there.
By getting organised, it instantly means your stress levels will be lowered.
And when you’re less stressy, you’ll feel better and perform better academically. You won’t have to work in panic mode.
You also have more time for the things you enjoy doing when you’ve a clear mind, and you’ll just generally be a more pleasant person to be around.
Meal plan
Not only does this help you save money and time, but it also prevents food waste, which is better for the environment.
You should make a list before your weekly shop and stick to it. To start out, try to cook yourself enough to last you two days instead of one.
You’ll gradually learn how to create a full weekly meal plan and start to figure out what foods hold up well in storage. Cooked meat, roasted and raw vegetables and soups all make good bases for meal prep recipes. Just buy a few lunchboxes and see how it goes!
Own a diary
Even if you’re capable of storing tons of information in your head, it’s easy for it all to just slip out.
A diary frees up so much valuable brain space. Instead of having to remember appointments, classes or due dates by using Post-it notes or writing with a blue bic on your hand, you’ll have everything organised in a convenient, visual format.
Even a notebook will do the job, and shops like Tiger have plenty of affordable and quirky ones available.
But if they aren’t really your thing, online digital calendars on phones are great too, as you can get reminders of important events before they sneak up on you.
Google Calendar is my personal favourite and I tend to include things like:
- Class times
- Key assignment due dates
- Exercise times
- Extracurricular meeting times
- Part-time work schedule
- Payments (SUSI grant, accommodation payments etc)
Get yourself a schoolbag
Even if you don’t regularly use one, they can come in handy. You can keep a water bottle, keep cup, lunch box in it (take home any lunch you don’t finish – even if it goes to the dog!) And always make sure to keep plenty of snacks in your bag, so you don’t have to pay for anything overpriced in shops.
Have a refill pad and pens inside it at all times, as it’s important to be prepared in lectures (plus you can help out those who aren’t). And definitely always pack a charger and a powerbank just in case. Don’t forget earphones either because bus journeys can be dreadful without them.
Most importantly, whatever you need, pack your bag the night before as it ensures that you don’t forget anything the next morning when you’re in a hurry. And it also allows you a good night of sleep as you’re not thinking about what to put in your bag!
Exercise regularly
We all know that exercise has plenty of mental benefits on top of the physical ones.
It releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin which improve your mood and – if you exercise regularly – it can reduce feelings of depression or anxiety too.
It clears your head and can help you forget about college work for a while – since you’re probably mainly focusing on not passing out in the gym!
Colleges typically offer reasonably priced membership deals, with some even offering gym membership free of charge. But as spring is on the way, you could even just go for regular long walks and gradually build up to running.
Spend your time wisely
Time is limited, and it’s important to keep the balance between social life, study, work, family – as well as getting your eight hours sleep a night.
If you’re keen to go on big nights out, try to limit this to once every week or two.
Because if you pat yourself on the back for just getting to your lecture after a night out, it’s probably fair to say that you’re not concentrating when you’re actually there.
Whether you’re still thinking about the lad you shifted the night before, focusing on not throwing up the McDonald’s you got on the way home or if you’re actually still drunk, it’s a waste of your time even showing up!
Even though it’s undeniably a part of the college experience to go out, another part of it is actually getting your degree.
Remember: You don’t have to say yes to everyone and you don’t have to do everything. For your own wellbeing, learn to say no to people when you need to keep your schedule clear.
Don’t overcommit yourself
College can be a pricey experience, so a lot of people tend to have part-time jobs. But it’s important not to take on too many extra hours because it can impact your studies.
If you’re having money woes, there are supports out there like the Student Assistance Fund (which is now available to apply for) or, if you’re really struggling, get onto your college or local TD and see if it’s possible for you to avail of a higher SUSI grant for the following year.
There’s not much point in paying over €3,000 in college fees if you’re not even able to attend.
Above all, remember to take a breather when you need it. Because the more disorientated your life is, the more your hectic schedule can lead to confusion and a less enjoyable college experience!
