In my last post, I shared how I adjusted to American classroom culture and the differences I noticed compared to studying back home in the Philippines. Once I started to feel comfortable in the classroom, another challenge came my way — balancing everything else. 

As an international student, it’s not just about passing classes. It’s about learning how to manage time, juggle responsibilities, and still find space for yourself in the middle of it all. Between school, work, and personal life, I had to figure out a rhythm that actually worked for me. One that kept me productive but also happy. 

Finding my Rhythm

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as an international student is that balance is everything – especially when you’re juggling school, work, and personal life. For me, being organized and on time makes a huge difference. I’m a morning person, so I always try to take my classes early in the day. That way, my mind is fresh, and I can focus better during lectures. It also gives me more time later to review what I’ve learned or prepare for upcoming tests.  When it comes to work, I schedule my shifts during my vacant hours before class and on days when I don’t have classes. On those free days, I usually work around 7-8 hours with a quick 30-minutes break in between. I reserve my weekends for non-school and non-work activities, that’s my time to rest, reset, and enjoy life outside my busy schedule.

Managing my Studies

Being in the medical field means constant studying, so I make sure to spend at least one to two hours a day reading, skimming, or finishing assignments. When exams are coming up, I study extra hours to really remember the material. I’ve learned that doing tasks ahead of time makes everything easier. If I finish assignments or projects early, I can use that extra time to review or prepare for upcoming quizzes. Getting things done in advance also helps me feel less stressed when the semester starts to get heavy. 

Choosing the Right Job

Work is another important part of the balance. If you're an international student, my best advice is to choose a job that makes you happy and doesn’t add too much stress. A part-time job should give you extra income not to take away your energy or focus from your studies. It’s also really important that your employer understands that you’re a student first. School should always come before work. That’s not just for your mental health, but also to stay in compliance with USCIS rules for international students. When you prioritize academics, you perform better, which can lead to more opportunities like scholarships or academic awards later on. 

Making Time for Life and Relaxation

Now, let’s talk about life outside of school and work – because yes, that part matters too! Finding time to relax helps me stay sane and motivated. For me, that usually means treating myself to good food. I love trying different cuisines – especially Italian, Korean, and Japanese. If you’re in Reno, here are some of my favorite spots: Pasta La Vista at Reno Public Market: I always order the Four Cheese Pasta! You can choose your own toppings and pasta type too. Haru at the corner of Longley and McCarran: they have amazing ramen and other dishes that are super comforting after a long study day. Ijji 4 for Korean BBQ or Arrario for their famous Kimchi Fries (seriously, you have to try them, they’re fire!!). Good food just makes everything better. It’s my way to reward myself for a productive week. 

Staying Active and Having Fun

When I’m not eating out, you’ll probably find me at the fitness center or outdoors. I love staying active whether it’s hiking, biking, or skiing depending on the season. During the summer, I play basketball with friends, and we even have a small league we formed just for fun (and maybe a bit of friendly competition). Staying active keeps my energy up and helps me handle the stress of school and work more easily.  

Balancing school, work, and life as an international student isn’t easy, but it’s definitely possible. The key is knowing yourself – your energy, your limits, and what keeps you motivated. Plan your schedule wisely, stay disciplined, and don’t forget to reward yourself. Balance isn’t about being perfect; it’s about finding what works for you. And who knows – maybe I’ll see you at one of my favorite restaurants in Reno someday. If you’re new here, I’ll gladly share some food recommendations over pasta or ramen!

Dhane Miguelle Varela is an international student taking an Associate of Science in Pre-Nursing at Truckee Meadows Community College, Reno, Nevada.