1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Apply
  • Chat

Striking a Balance Between Academics and Social Life

Striking a Balance Between Academics and Social Life

Jan 16, 2020

One of the most challenging aspects of the college experience is striking the right balance between your studies and social life. Properly managing your time allows you to get the most out of studying in the United States, focusing on academics when necessary, while also providing breaks to refresh and recharge with new friends. Learning to balance work and play is also a valuable skill that you will need long after you earn your degree. Here are some helpful tips for a successful year:

Budget your Time

Just as you budget expenses such as rent, food and entertainment, budgeting your time can help you plan your days to find time for studying and socializing with new friends. You might even realize you have more free time than you thought for extracurricular activities! Keep in mind that your time budget should allow for flexibility—there is no guarantee that your homework will take exactly eight hours or that you won’t want to spend just a little extra time with your friends during the week. 

Set Actionable Goals

Setting goals will give you a direction and destination for your academic and social life. This will help you control how you spend your time and identify priorities throughout the year. For example, one goal could be to meet one new friend per semester. Another could be to complete all your necessary reading for the week by Sunday. You will feel a sense of accomplishment as you start checking off goals from your list. Be sure to celebrate each time you reach a goal, such as treating yourself to ice cream or purchasing a new piece of clothing from your favorite fashion app.

It’s Okay to Say No

Saying “no” can be a challenge, but it is even tougher when you are an international student trying to settle in to your new university. It is good to make time in your schedule to socialize or attend events with new friends, but you shouldn’t feel guilty declining an invitation to go out if you just need a break or some extra study time. 

Maintain Good Health

When you feel healthy and energized, you will be able to make the most of your time studying abroad. Getting the right amount of sleep for your body is crucial in college. This involves more than just having a comfortable mattress. Doctors recommend sleeping between 7-9 hours per night to be fully functional and focused the next day. People who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to be irritable and less likely to be alert. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Keeping your body on a regular schedule means you’ll have an easier time getting to sleep and waking up ready to tackle all the tasks ahead. Maintaining a healthy diet is also essential to staying healthy, especially during the winter months.  

Attending school in a new country can be stressful, so finding the right balance between getting your work done and having fun can help ease some of the anxiety. Apply these tips to your daily routine to help you get and stay on the right track for a successful year! 

 

Follow us:
Written by

Rob Johnson


Rob Johnson is an experienced international traveler and Director of Higher Education Sales at CORT Furniture Rental, where he works directly with students and higher education institutions.

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled Internships and Fellowships for International Students
Internships and Fellowships for International Students
Main image for the article titled Studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in New York
Studying Psychology at St. Joseph’s University in New York
Main image for the article titled What Should I Major in to Become an Anesthesiologist?
What Should I Major in to Become an Anesthesiologist?
Main image for the article titled Transfer from Shoreline Community College to Your Dream University
Transfer from Shoreline Community College to Your Dream University
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Study Oregon

Study Oregon

$1,000—$5,000 Session

Summer Online English Programs
Contact
Portland Community College

Portland Community College

$5,000—$10,000 Year

English Programs 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs Certificate/Short Term
Contact
International Language Institute

International Language Institute

$500-$1,000 Session

Summer Certificate/Short Term English Programs
Contact

Featured Programs

Edmonds College

Typical cost per Quarter: $1,000—$5,000

Bachelor Degree Secondary/Boarding Certificate/Short Term
Learn More

Hillsborough Community College

Typical cost per Year: $10,000 — $15,000

Bachelor Degree Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Learn More

University of Illinois Chicago

Typical cost per Year: $10,000 — $15,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Certificate/Short Term
Learn More

Related Stories

What is the difference between a school, college and university in the USA?

Main image for the article titled What is the difference between a school, college and university in the USA?
What is the Difference between a Public and Private University?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference between a Public and Private University?
What is the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Sciences?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference Between a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Sciences?
What is the Difference Between OPT and CPT?

Main image for the article titled What is the Difference Between OPT and CPT?

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for Search for Education Loan Options today!

Search for Education Loan Options today!

Nomad Credit helps international students search for and compare education loan (student loan) options, including options for students with a US cosigner or those pursuing a graduate degree. The Nomad team will personally help you with your education...

Read more
Partner service logo for TestDEN Ultimate TOEFL Test Prep Online Course

TestDEN Ultimate TOEFL Test Prep Online Course

TestDEN's Online TOEFL Test Prep is just what you need to quickly and effectively prepare for the TOEFL test. Since 1998, TestDEN has helped tens of thousands of students raise their TOEFL scores.

Read more
Partner service logo for BetterHelp

BetterHelp

BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. You get the same professionalism and quality you expect from in-office therapy, but with access to a huge network of therapists, more scheduling flexibility, and at a more affor...

Read more

Testimonials

Quotation mark.

Study in the USA helped me by putting me in contact with the different schools and by sending me information of different programs

Eric Invers Rubio Spain

I wish I had found Study in the USA earlier. They have such a presence and strive to help anyone make their dreams come true.

Boa Astrid Haegg Wass Sweden

Thank you for your e-mail. I am already studying at Valencia College.

Maristela Duarte Brazil

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.