Top 6 Tips for Balancing School and Work Life as a Student
Balancing school and work life is no joke. As a university student juggling exams, assignments, and Peer Success Coaching, I know first-hand how overwhelming it can be. Here are six tips that have helped me stay on top of my studies and job without losing my mind.
- Master Your Time Management Skills
Time management is the backbone of balancing work and school. As a Peer Success Coach, I rely on my planner to keep track of classes, work shifts, assignment deadlines, and even personal time. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks using the Pomodoro Technique (working in short focused intervals with short breaks) has saved me from procrastination and kept me productive and energized. Additionally, prioritizing tasks with the Eisenhower Matrix—deciding what’s urgent, important, both, or neither—helps me tackle what truly matters first. - Set Boundaries and Communicate Clearly
Setting boundaries has been crucial. Learning to be upfront with your employer about your availability, especially during exam periods, is an important skill to have. A simple, polite email requesting time off for exams or assignments ensures that your workload doesn’t clash with any studying commitments. It also helps to keep open communication with professors if work commitments ever interfere with classes or deadlines. Respectful, professional communication has always led to understanding and flexibility from both sides. - Keep Your Energy Levels High
Balancing multiple responsibilities can drain your energy fast. I make it a point to get enough sleep, squeeze in short workouts, and eat balanced meals to keep my mind sharp. Taking regular breaks during study sessions and shifts prevents burnout, and setting realistic goals keeps me from overcommitting. I’ve found that when my body and mind are well-rested, I’m more productive and less stressed. - Stay Organized and Focused
Organization is my secret weapon. I use my downtime wisely—sometimes reviewing class notes during breaks between Peer Success Coach appointments or listening to recorded lectures during my commute. Keeping my workspace clutter-free helps me stay focused, and while I stick to my schedule as much as possible, I’ve learned to allow flexibility for unexpected events. - Reflect and Set Goals Regularly
Every week, I take time to reflect on what went well and what didn’t in managing my responsibilities. This helps me adjust and improve. Setting short-term goals for my academics, career, and personal life gives me a clear direction. I break down each goal into small, achievable steps that I can tackle each week, keeping me motivated and on track. - Use Campus Resources
One of the best decisions I made was to use the campus resources available to me. Peer Success Coaches like me help develop personalized time management and study strategies, and Career Services has been invaluable for resume building, mock interviews, and career counselling. Accessing free resources like www.career360.smu.ca has made balancing my responsibilities much easier.
Conclusion
Balancing school and work life is challenging, but it’s doable with the right strategies. Remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Peer Success Coaches are here to help you create an effective schedule, and Career Services offers support for your academic and career success. Book a Peer Success Coach appointment today—take that first step toward mastering the juggle and setting yourself up for success!
Author: Tina, Peer Success Coach