College: The Management Side of Socializing

Moving into a new place, state, or even country, can create immediate social interaction withdrawals. Also known as college life. Relocation is not for everybody, it’s mentally and emotionally draining. Leaving your parents and friends is a huge step for a young adult. But if you can persevere and make the move; get settled, and start meeting people.

Almost everyone around you has relocated to some extent (unless they have always lived on campus, or are commuting), so don’t feel like you’re alone. Campuses offer organizations and clubs to assist you in meeting people. Take advantage of this.

Although this article seems to be about meeting new people, it isn’t. The focus of the article is how to manage your time once you’ve established yourself in groups, clubs, and organizations. If you haven’t done it yet, this might seem irrelevant. If you have done it, you know what I’m talking about.


Sabrina Youmans, a learning specialist at UCLA stated, "I remember being really angry at my high school for leaving me so under-prepared for the demands of college. Then if you look at the student athlete profile, there are so many time demands. Personal time is squashed down into almost nothing, and it puts that really oppressive schedule on somebody who has increased academic demands. It means a difficult transition."

(This quote comes from a very similar article posted in The Princeton Review focuses mainly on the rigors of college-athletes. The idea is the same.)

My experience in collegiate involvement is from a sports background. I played football in the fall, baseball in the winter/spring. This was tough. When I had free time, I wanted to relax. But…when I relaxed, I needed to study. Hence, I developed time management skills.

Time management sounds tedious and restricting. It is. Here’s a tip for you: the rest of your successful life will revolve around time management. Learn it and master it.

Set a schedule and stay with it. However, when you set this schedule, you need to set some ‘relaxing’ time for yourself. If you do this, you can get things done with the intentions of getting to your ‘relax’ time. (If I study for one hour, I will finish right in time for my favorite show).

When you’re involved in the college life, time management seems to be difficult because of your ever-changing schedule. Keep your priorities a priority, and enjoy yourself in the extra time.

Clubs and organizations tend to be time consuming at the most inopportune times (finals week, 3 tests in one day, etc). If you take care of your ‘school’ side of college when it’s convenient (early), it’s easier to enjoy your extra-curricular activities.

All of this probably sounds like a familiar lecture from your family and friends but there is a reason… Everyone that has told you this has experienced both sides of time management. It is easier to learn from others, rather than learn it for yourself (especially when you’re investing thousands of dollars in your education).

To wrap it up, schedules are boring but necessary. Learn how to take care of yourself, so you can have time to spend with others. What are some stories of bad time management, a.k.a. procrastination that you have learned from? What are some of the ways you cope with managing your personal time and social life.

Intern #1
Knowledge is power