How can I have that great college life experience?

One of the most memorable chapters of my life is my college life experience. For some reason, I remember mostly the fun but not the hard work. Of course, I haven't completely forgotten about the hard work but it is kinda blurry compared to my memories of my partying and socializing days. Besides, these are the things that keep college students sane especially before and after finals week.

So, you must be thinking that I'm crazy because I said 'before finals week.' Well, at least from my college life experience, the days when the bars are the most full are the last few days before final exams. This probably happens because college students are de-stressing before exams. They get the partying out of their system so that they will be more focused during finals week.

These students have found the balance between partying and studying. This really is THE way to get the most out of your college life experience. Life is just much better this way. As they say, "you have to work hard and play hard." So, you're probably wondering how I, and other college students, achieve this balance. Before I move on, let me leave you with this equation: work hard + play hard = sanity. Yup, if you want to succeed college, you have to have both.

The strategy is to take care of the 'serious things' first before planning your night/social life. The following is my list for both.

No college student should be without an education plan. With this plan, you can determine the classes you need to take in order to progress through your major. This plan can also tell you how long you will be in college. If you plan well, you may graduate a quarter/semester or two earlier than most people. Having the education plan is important because it ensures that you are taking the right classes at the right time and you not wasting time on classes that you don't need. It takes out all the guess work as to which classes you need to take so you can focus on other things that will make up the rest of your college life experience.

You can set-up an education plan with your student advisor. They are usually located at your major's department office. You department's student advisor is your best source of information when it comes to your major's requirements. In addition, there are also many advantages to having the education plan and here are some of them.

Still need a little help? Take a peak at my sample education plan here so you can get started on yours.

Once you have your education plan, making your class schedule will be a piece of cake. Since your classes are mapped out for you for each semester/quarter, all you need to do is choose the best time that works with your schedule. This becomes especially important if you work part-time. A flawless and efficient class schedule can make all the difference during the busiest times of the semester/quarter when you have exams and papers due around the same time.

The time of your college classes is not the only important part of your class schedule. There is also the 'teacher' factor. Everyone has a different personality and you may not like all your teachers. Click on this link to read about how I chose my professors and how I made my class schedule. I also provided a sample of my class schedule for one school year in this section.

Whether you live in the dorms or in an apartment off-campus, the way you live in college will more likely be different than living at home (unless you have rich parents and they provide you with a maid or something). This difference can be seen mostly in the kitchen and living room but probably not the bedroom. At times, you may share a kitchen with other people and at other times you're kitchen may not be so full (not as much food :( ). Most college students don't even use the kitchen often since they may not have the time to cook or don't know how to cook. But, I noticed that college students must have a living room and a bedroom (of course).

There are some things college students just can't live without. I call them 'The College Living Essentials' (I know long name but...oh well). These are the things that could have made my college life more difficult or less colorful if I didn't have them. I will talk about these essentials with regards to the different parts of the apartment/dorm. At times, I may not only talk about things but also factors to consider when thinking about college living. This college living essentials link will provide you will all the details.

You may have heard about roommate issues either from your big sis or bro who went to college. Many college students make the mistake of not choosing their roommates carefully and just hope for the best that their roommate situation will work out when issues come up. Having lived in many different situation during college, I know better. I have learned from experience that having a great roommate makes all the difference especially when you have a million other things to worry about. Click here for advice in choosing a great college roommate.

Think of your social life as your opportunity to take a break away from school work, at least for the moment. Besides partying, there are many other areas where you can have a social life. You can join organizations that share similar interests as yours. For example, if you like the outdoors there are clubs that organize such activities like kayaking, hiking or mountain climbing. Whatever interests you, find organizations or a hobby that you will enjoy. These extracurricular activities are the ones that will help keep you stress levels low and prevent you from burning out.

Partying was one of my favorite past times when I was in college but I always remember not to overdo it. The only way you can balance partying and school work is to plan ahead especially if you work part-time as well. This goes the same if you have other extracurricular activities. In addition, try not to get into trouble because even though college parties can be fun and go smoothly they can also get out of hand. Having fond memories about your college life experience is a great thing to have when you look back at them.

I have developed some strategies in order to party while keeping my grades where I want them to be. I have also learned some lessons during my college partying days, either from myself or from my friends. Read on to find out more about these strategies and lessons.

Photo by UBC Library Graphics

Having some 'me time' is important regardless of your situation in life. This is the time you set aside to spend time by yourself. If there are a lot of things going on in your life (which is usually the case when you're in college), take this time to sort things out or, better yet, not think about those things. Whatever you choose to do, use this time wisely and spend it at a place where you cannot be reached or disturbed. Your college life experience does not only involve socializing but also some alone time.

My 'me time' was not always the same and I never planned them. One day, it can be going to the university arboretum where I can rest under the trees and/or where I can watch the ducks swim. On another day, it can be just seating on my favorite chair with my i-pod in full blast. Basically, I try to find the time to give my mind and body a break from the hustle and bustle of college life.

If you don't have a clue how to spend you 'me time,' here are some ideas that you can incorporate into your schedule.

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