College is such an exciting time. It brings about so many opportunities and possibilities. There’s so much to do, people to meet, clubs to join, and activities to be a part of. It is a time of exploration and new adventures. You get to find different things you enjoy doing, and you have this newfound freedom. No one tells you what to do or how to spend your time. You can sleep all day and study all night. You can skip all of your lectures, play video games all day, and then cram the night before a big exam. Your schedule is flexible, and you can make it whatever you want it to be.
You have a lot of flexibility when creating your schedule, but it is important that you set aside time to focus on the things you actually have to do. Everyone runs on their own schedule, and one thing you will learn is that you will have to create a schedule that works for you, one that has a good balance. Being a college student can be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to balance all of your activities and academic responsibilities. This was certainly a challenge I faced when I first transitioned into college from a high school. It became more of a challenge with the onset of Covid when we transitioned into remote learning. But, in the midst of all the chaos, I was able to find a few strategies that helped me stay focused and motivated.
One strategy I have found helpful is having a friend in class. Without a traditional classroom setting, remote instructions can be vague and confusing. Having a friend in class has made a tremendous difference in my ability to stay focused and motivated. I have been able to study and have course discussions with them. It also helps me clarify things and feel connected to what I am learning.
Another strategy I found helpful is exercising. Exercising helps me maintain good mental and physical health. This allows me to clear my head after studying all day. Going on a daily walk in the evening or a bike ride to get some fresh air can really make a difference. When I am losing focus, I have found that going on a short walk helps me recenter myself. Incorporating short and simple exercises into your schedule can help you to regain your energy and focus after a long day of work.
Yet another strategy that helped me stay on track is the use of notecards. Ever since remote instruction began, I have found it a challenge to keep on course with my assignments. It was a lot easier to overlook announcements and miss important deadlines for assignments in the sea of emails I was receiving. I found notecards to be a solution to this issue. I was skeptical of this at first when my friend first introduced this strategy to me, but it is surprisingly effective. It is actually quite simple, yet really helpful to be able to visualize everything you have to do with their respective deadlines. By writing everything out on a notecard, you are breaking up your busy work week into smaller and more achievable tasks. It is also really satisfying to be able to cross out an assignment off the list and be able to look back on all that you have accomplished and completed. Remember to give yourself props on how far you have come, and acknowledge your hard work and dedication!
The last strategy, and probably the most helpful one, is to find a good balance. As much work and effort you put into your classes, be sure to also rest, relax, and explore. Make plans for the weekend so you have something to look forward to (a light at the end of the tunnel). This will help you stay motivated to complete your work.
Sometimes it can feel like you are just going through the motions, submitting assignment after assignment… so it is critical to insert pockets of fun to break the monotony of daily academic life, especially if you are currently at home away from campus. I know sometimes you can feel guilty for taking time for yourself when you have work to do, but your mental health and wellbeing are directly correlated to your personal and academic success. Take mental health breaks. Self-care is vital to your ability to focus and remain motivated. At the end of the day, college is not just about academics or just clubs. It is an all-encompassing experience of learning and fun that is meant to be enjoyed.
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Isaiah Raya lives in Pasadena and graduated from Pasadena High School in 2019. Currently, he is a sophomore attending the University of California Irvine, majoring in Computer Science. As a first-generation college student, CAP offered crucial support in his college process while in high school and as a freshman college student. He is honored to be serving on the Student Advisory Council and is excited to give back to his community. He is a hard-working and passionate person who wants to help others succeed.