Students blog

We’ve all been there. You had a slow morning. Maybe you slept in or spent too long doomscrolling.

And suddenly it’s 4 p.m. You’ve done nothing you planned to do, and a mix of guilt and panic starts to set in. Here’s the thing, though: a wasted morning doesn’t have to mean a wasted day. You can turn it around. Here’s how.

Acknowledge What Happened

Grab some paper or open a note in your phone and write down every unproductive thing you’ve done today: doomscrolling, excessive napping, or binge-watching your favorite show.

The goal of this exercise is not to beat yourself up but to get the guilt out and onto a piece of paper. Feeling guilty can quietly drain your energy, and acknowledging the feeling can loosen its grip on you.

Reset with a “Morning” Routine

Do your morning routine again to try to trick your brain into thinking it’s a brand-new day. Whether it’s washing your face, changing your clothes, or making your bed, your brain may associate these rituals with starting fresh. That might be all it takes to give you the motivation to get to work.

But before you do that, if you’re in bed scrolling, put your phone down and get up. Thinking about getting started isn't enough; you have to actually start. The first step is removing yourself from an unproductive environment.

Make your bed. Walk to another room. Maybe get some water. Getting your body moving is often all it takes to get your mind moving, too.

Find Your Focus Zone

Pick somewhere you know puts you in work mode, like a coffee shop or a specific corner of your house. It doesn’t matter where, as long as you’re intentional about it.

The key here is not just going there but staying there. One sneaky time-waster is spending forty-five minutes trying to find a place to sit, only to then get hungry or need water. Suddenly, another fifteen minutes (or an hour) is gone. Pick a spot, sit down, and don’t move until you’ve done what you planned to get done.

Put your phone away, too; it’s not your friend right now. Put it on airplane mode or, even better, power it off.

Create a Time-Blocked Plan

Have you done all the things above but still lack motivation? Rewrite your to-do list. This time, write it like a planner, broken down by the hour, with only the time you have left.

This does two things: it shows you how much time you actually have, and it can create a healthy sense of urgency. Remember that productivity often builds on itself. Once you’re in the flow, it’s much easier to keep going.

Be Realistic with Yourself

It’s important to be realistic with yourself. You don’t have to finish everything today. If half of the day is already gone, no amount of hustle will change that.

You’re not trying to have a perfect day anymore. You’re trying to salvage a few good hours, and that’s a completely worthwhile goal.

A wasted morning, or even an afternoon, isn’t a verdict on the rest of your day. It’s just a slow start. What you do with the hours you have left is what counts.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Even before my first day on campus, I felt like I’d already survived a whirlwind of tasks. I had chosen my dorm, set up my schedule, explored future opportunities, and so much more.

College is an exciting new chapter and might be the first time you’ll be away from home for an extended period. Before diving into campus life, it’s helpful to recognize that your body clock, eating habits, personal goals, and commitments all shape your college experience.

Ignoring these factors can lead to uncomfortable schedules, unhealthy habits, and, in the worst cases, unnecessary stress on your mind and body. The good news is that this is avoidable.

As a college senior, I’ve learned that a little time and self-reflection go a long way. With them, you can set yourself up for academic success and emotional well-being throughout the school year. I’ll share how understanding your body rhythm can help you advocate for your needs and create a smoother, more enjoyable college experience.

Know Your Rhythm

One of the most important steps is recognizing your optimal working hours and learning to advocate for your body above all else. I learned that I couldn't be passive about my schedule or let others make decisions for me; I realized that no one understands my energy levels, habits, or limits better than I do. I felt less assertive when I first left home, especially since I was used to parents or teachers structuring my days, but I built confidence over time.

Once you have the freedom to choose your own classes, capitalize on that control by building a schedule that supports your natural patterns. Think about when you’re most awake and ready to learn. Consider when you prefer to eat lunch, how long you can stay focused, and when your brain simply checks out for the day.

Should you really schedule math after three back-to-back classes if it’s your hardest subject? Do you get hangry and zone out if you don’t eat by a certain time? Does the sunset make late evening classes feel twice as long? These questions matter more than you might think.

Find Your Balance

Once I learned to accommodate my needs, everything else began to flow more naturally. It helped me set myself up for academic success, and I also had the energy and mental space to explore extracurriculars. Outside your working hours, joining clubs, spending time with friends, or participating in campus events can feel like a well-earned reward after a productive day.

Work during your prime hours and relax during your natural downtime. This can create a balanced “work hard, play hard” attitude that helps the school year feel fulfilling, not draining.

A Skill for Life

Discipline is key to consistency and reaching your goals. Staying firm in your decisions and choosing what makes you comfortable when it’s not the default can be challenging at first, but it becomes easier with practice.

This may not be a skill you master in one semester, and maybe not even two. Still, if you commit to optimizing your college experience this way, I believe you can make these years some of the most rewarding of your life.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Procrastination is the brain’s way of delaying tasks to avoid discomfort. This is a common struggle, but it is not a sign of laziness or poor time management. Rather, the brain prioritizes short-term emotional relief over long-term goals. Overcoming this is not easy, but understanding why we procrastinate is the first step.

Mental Exhaustion

As college students, we often find that procrastination is one of our biggest struggles because we may feel exhausted daily. We might choose to watch reels for a full hour at 9 p.m. instead of finishing the assignment due at 11:59 p.m., telling ourselves we “still have time.”

We are juggling the transition to adulthood while taking on responsibilities both inside and outside of school. Taking a full-time course load and working a part-time job is the reality for many college students. That’s not an easy task.

Physical Fatigue

We get less sleep and sometimes feel like we’re working like machines. Procrastination is an easy trap to fall into; delaying tasks for comfort often feels easier than getting them done, given the fatigue that comes with such busy schedules.

As a student, I deal with this lifestyle daily. I overcome the feeling of exhaustion by doing yoga and going to the gym. They keep me grounded and relieve my stress, even if it’s only for a few minutes a day. This practice makes me feel more energized and helps me finish my pending tasks.

The Anxiety Loop

As a student, I find that my biggest weakness is overthinking. Even when I take a one-hour break from studying to avoid burnout, feelings of guilt creep in. I’ve realized that the more I worry about a certain task, the more I delay it. This only increases my stress and negative self-talk.

To manage this, I have found that journaling helps me process my anxious thoughts. It also allows me to break down tasks in my schedule, making them feel more achievable.

Self-Care and Balance

Procrastination isn’t just about poor habits; it could be a response to burnout. Practicing self-care is crucial for maintaining a positive mental state and keeping the mind relaxed. Chronic delays can worsen feelings of guilt, shame, and stress, which impact mental well-being.

I find self-care hard to incorporate into my schedule. However, setting aside one hour per day after completing all my tasks to watch my favorite show or learn how to crochet makes it all worth it.

Finding that balance is important, especially during college. It’s easy to become so focused on your future that you forget to care for yourself in the present. The next time you find yourself procrastinating, acknowledge your stress, take a small step to care for yourself, and turn that delay into a productive pause.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

My hobbies “live” in my living room. When life gets hectic, I find myself walking sullenly past my two guitars and piano every day. The strings waiting patiently to be tuned, and the piano keys missing the gentle pressure of my fingers.

This used to be a normal day after classes for me. I didn’t realize I had forgotten the passions that put me on this track until summer break, when my ears were blessed by live instruments and vocals.

Soon, I became determined to let my hobbies, which had decayed over time, live again. I just had one problem: the millions of assignments on my to-do list.

Reignite Your Passion

With time, we often forget how much our hobbies mattered when they topped our lists, instead of the next fifteen-page essay due at 11:59 p.m. It took a live jazz band performing in a courtyard for me to realize how much music truly meant to me. Seeing the musicians’ chemistry with each other reminded me of how much I loved playing with others.

It’s easy to say that time management is necessary for balancing hobbies and assignments, but it’s a lot harder to commit to it. It becomes a thousand times easier to practice when you remember why you’re making time for everything.

I implore you: take a moment to remember what once mattered to you. Why did you like to draw? What about swimming makes you feel good?

Make the Commitment

Realizing I had to get my hands on my guitar strings again, I sought out a club on campus. I chose the Musical Therapy Club as a lover of both music and therapy. We didn’t just jam together; we volunteered at nursing homes and cafes to increase the community’s quality of life.

This also aligned with my hobbies and future healthcare career, though my impact differed from that of a nurse. Still, I got to do something I love in tandem with my goals.

Joining this club also meant commitment. To ensure quality performances, I had to practice every Thursday evening. I couldn’t spontaneously skip out on it, as I often did with my assignments.

I committed to a mission with other people, and it was my goal to stick with it. Joining a club ties you to your hobby. When you work and socialize with others, your passions feel more fulfilling with that support system around you.

Turn Hobbies into Rewards

I used to pity myself for “abandoning” my hobbies for college assignments. Even after studying, I didn’t find picking up my guitar rewarding because I felt ashamed for leaving it alone. Eventually, I changed my mindset.

Rather than feeling ashamed, I understood that academics were a vital priority. I was only trying to take care of my future.

I began to see my hobbies as a reward after a good study session. I became more motivated to finish assignments so I could switch from “study sesh” to “jam sesh.”

If there is one thing to take away, it’s that growing out of hobbies over time is natural. It’s incredibly easy to get lost in jobs, assignments, and daily struggles.

However, there’s no shame in trying to balance it all. I once pitied those untuned strings, but now I see things more positively. My guitar strings aren’t abandoned; they’re just waiting for my magic touch!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Class at 8 a.m., E-board meeting at 3 p.m., volunteering at 5 p.m., meeting with members at 7 p.m., study session at 9 p.m., and homework due at 11 p.m. Does this schedule sound familiar?

As students, it's easy to get caught up in trying to “make the most” of the college experience. Your college years offer the chance to explore new things and discover who you are.

While this is a great opportunity to discover the many clubs and activities college has to offer, it can become overwhelming. In this article, I reflect on my decisions about getting involved on campus. I’ll help you discover ways to maintain balance and be intentional with your time.

During my sophomore year, I was heavily involved in organizations at school. When I began to feel overwhelmed, I realized I had to sit back, assess my situation, and ask myself the following three questions.

1. Is This Helping or Harming Me?

While representing my school was important, I had to understand that my mental health was just as important. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, signs that you might be overwhelmed include tension, uneasiness, and lack of sleep. [1]

As you participate in clubs and organizations, consider if they are benefiting you. Are you choosing organizations that can help your future career or develop valuable, long-term skills?

2. Am I Choosing Quality Over Quantity?

It can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of busywork. When I was in more than six organizations, I realized I couldn't give one hundred percent to each one. I couldn't make time for myself or provide quality service to those around me.

I realized that doing this meant I wasn’t properly serving my community, friends, classmates, and associates. This meant I had to re-evaluate which organizations I was putting the most time into and commit to them.

3. What Can I Realistically Do?

After asking myself the first two questions, I realized I was overwhelmed and not giving my all to my organizations. I knew something had to be done.

I started by determining which organizations best aligned with my passions and future aspirations. When I narrowed those down, I was able to participate in four organizations on campus!

I took it a step further by prioritizing my time in those organizations. I created daily schedules for my work, schoolwork, and organizational duties. I found that participating in the things I enjoyed made me less likely to get overwhelmed.

Feeling overwhelmed by extracurriculars is common, but it doesn’t have to be your reality. Ask yourself if your commitments are helping, focus on quality, and create a plan. This way, you can make the most of your college experience without burning out.

[1] National Institute of Mental Health. I’m So Stressed Out! Infographic. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/so-stressed-out-infographic.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Running a one-person organization

If there’s one thing college has taught me, it’s that I’m basically running a small organization. Between classes, work, volunteering, and trying to maintain a social life, my schedule looks like a Google Calendar that needs therapy.

People ask, “How do you balance everything?” Honestly… I don’t. I stay prayed up, do my best, and hope for the best like everyone else.

What I’m balancing

I’m majoring in Accounting and Management Information Systems and minoring in Senior Living Management. I’m working, volunteering at senior homes, and serving on the BSU cabinet. Somehow, I’m still a supportive friend, daughter, and human being.

On top of that, my Gambian grandma raised me to believe, “You must work twice as hard.” Quitting is not an option. Neither is resting, apparently.

So yes, I’m busy, but it’s the kind of busy that builds your future, so you keep pushing.

The system that saves me

To survive, I rely on my checklists like they’re emotional support animals. If it’s not written down, it will not happen. I’ve learned that college isn’t about who’s the smartest; it’s about who can stay organized enough not to drown.

My notes app is full of to-do lists, reminders, and random thoughts I’m too scared to lose, like “Buy rice” or “Send that email before they think I ghosted.” Crossing things off a list is my version of self-care.

Community work that grounds me

Being involved on campus comes with its own chaos. Between BSU meetings, volunteer shifts, and the friend who texts, “Are you free?”, the real answer is always no. But I show up anyway.

I’m a people person, so I genuinely love the community work I do, especially with seniors. It reminds me why I want to own a senior living community one day. Helping people gives me purpose, even when I’m tired enough to fall asleep standing up.

Choosing peace in the social circus

Then there’s the social side of college: a circus of friendships, misunderstandings, and situationships that start and end faster than my break between classes. I’ve had to learn to choose peace over drama, even when drama tries to choose me.

Sometimes the most mature thing you can do in college is say, “You know what? I’m going home,” and mean it.

Tired, with a purpose

For all the chaos, I wouldn’t trade the experience. Being this busy has made me resilient, disciplined, and more patient than I ever planned to be. I’ve grown into someone who can handle pressure, adapt quickly, and still laugh at the madness of it all.

At the end of the day, I’m proud of the life I’m building. I may be tired, but I’m tired with a purpose.

So no, I don’t have it all together. I’m a full-time student, part-time chaos manager, doing my best to get through each week without losing my mind. Honestly, that’s enough.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

College life can feel like a constant juggling act. Lectures, part-time jobs, club meetings, and social plans all compete for your time and energy. It is easy to feel like you are just trying to keep your head above water.

The good news is that staying organized and consistent does not require becoming a productivity robot or living by a strict schedule. It is about building small, sustainable habits that make your day feel less chaotic and more intentional.

As a college student myself, I have realized that organization is not about perfection; it is about consistency. You do not need a dozen planners, five apps, or color-coded everything. What you need is a system that actually works for you. Here are a few strategies that have helped me maintain balance without burning out.

Time-Block Your Day

Instead of listing twenty tasks and hoping to fit them all in, try time-blocking. This means dedicating chunks of your day to specific tasks: 9–11 a.m. for studying biology, 11 a.m.–12 p.m. for errands, and 1–3 p.m. for work.

This helps you be realistic about how much time tasks take and prevents that “where did the day go?” feeling. I use a digital calendar to plan my time, so I can quickly and easily move things around when plans inevitably change.

Set Micro-Goals

Big projects and exams can feel impossible when you look at them as a whole. That is where micro-goals come in. Break down large tasks into small, doable steps, such as outlining a paper section or reviewing one lecture’s notes.

Checking off small goals gives you momentum and keeps procrastination away. I once broke a ten-page paper into ten short writing sessions, one per day. It was the first time I submitted a large assignment early.

Use Digital Tools Wisely

Apps like Notion, Todoist, and Google Calendar can be game-changers, but only if you actually use them. Do not overcomplicate things with endless tabs and templates. Start simple.

For example, I keep one Notion page for weekly tasks and one for ongoing goals. The less friction there is in updating your system, the more consistent you will be with it.

Recover from “Chaotic Weeks” Gracefully

There will always be messy weeks. You might forget an assignment, skip laundry, or live off vending machine snacks. The key is to reset, not spiral.

I like to do a quick “Sunday reset.” I clean my desk, check upcoming deadlines, and plan one fun thing for the week ahead. It is a way to start fresh without guilt.

Treat Organization as Self-Care

We often think of organization as discipline or control, but it is really a form of self-respect. Having a plan means you are protecting your time, energy, and peace of mind. You are not trying to be perfect; you are trying to make life easier for your future self.

When motivation inevitably dips, rely on consistency rather than willpower. Even ten minutes of focused work or a quick schedule review can keep you grounded. Over time, those small efforts add up to a steady rhythm that keeps you moving forward.

In the end, staying organized is not about doing more. It is about doing what matters most, consistently. When you build systems that fit your lifestyle instead of fighting it, college stops feeling like a balancing act. It starts to feel like something you can truly thrive in.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

I know that college can feel overwhelming at times. Between assignments, quizzes, and midterms, it’s easy to fall into a routine that feels repetitive and draining. I’ve definitely been there.

Then I started journaling. What started as a simple way to organize my thoughts turned into something much more: a space for creativity, reflection, and inspiration. Journaling has not only helped me stay organized but also reminded me to slow down and reconnect with myself.

Getting Started: Monthly Spreads

Journaling can feel intimidating at first, especially if you’re new to it. A good place to start is by creating monthly spreads: a comprehensive overview of everything you have scheduled for the month. You can jot down due dates, midterms, projects, social events, and hangouts—whatever is on your plate.

It’s a great way to stay organized and visually see what’s ahead. When I started doing this, it made such a difference. It gave me a sense of control and helped me mentally separate my academic life from my personal one.

Making It Your Own

Once you feel more comfortable, you can get as creative as you want. Depending on the month, try adding colors, doodles, or decorations that match the vibe.

For example, my July spread was full of all things summer. October, on the other hand, was packed with cute Halloween doodles: ghosts, pumpkins, and candy everywhere. That’s what makes journaling so fun; you can customize it to your own style and personality.

I’ve also found it helpful to create weekly spreads. These are perfect for writing down your day-to-day plans or smaller tasks that don’t quite fit on the monthly page. It’s a great way to stay on top of homework, chores, and other small tasks you might otherwise forget during a busy week.

More than a Planner

Now, journaling is something I look forward to. There’s something really satisfying about flipping through old pages and seeing all my plans, doodles, and deadlines come together. It makes me feel accomplished, like I’ve created something meaningful out of my busy schedule.

Even though it’s technically “productive,” it doesn’t feel like homework. It’s more like a creative break where I get to organize my life in a way that feels calming and personal.

Overall, journaling has been a simple yet powerful way to bring creativity and balance back into my routine. It helps me stay organized, but it also gives me a space to slow down and express myself without pressure.

Whether you love to plan everything out or just need a moment to breathe between classes, journaling can be whatever you make it. It’s your own little world on paper.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Summer break is often seen as a time to relax, travel, or work, but for many college students, it also raises the question: Should I take summer classes? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.

Deciding whether to enroll in summer courses depends on your academic goals and personal priorities. Here’s a guide to help you make the best decision for your situation.

Pros of Taking Summer Classes

1. Stay on track or graduate early: Summer classes can help you catch up on credits or get ahead in your program. This could allow you to graduate a semester—or even a full year—early, which could offer a financial advantage!
2. Lighter course load during the year: Spreading out your credits over the summer might reduce your fall or spring workload, giving you more flexibility during the regular school year.
3. Smaller class sizes: Summer courses often have fewer students, which can mean more personalized attention and better access to professors.
4. Fewer distractions: With less activity on campus, you might find it easier to focus on your coursework without the usual hustle of a full semester.
5. More focused learning: With fewer classes to juggle compared to the regular semester, you can concentrate more deeply on one subject.

Potential Cons to Consider

1. Condensed pace: Summer classes move quickly. An entire semester’s worth of material is often compressed into just a few weeks, making the coursework more intense and demanding.
2. Burnout risk: After two full semesters, it can be difficult to find the stamina for a summer session, which could lead to mental fatigue or a lack of motivation.
3. Limited course offerings: Not all classes are available during the summer, especially electives, labs, or upper-level major requirements.
4. Missed break opportunities: Taking summer classes could mean giving up time spent with friends and family, internships, travel, or earning income from a summer job.
5. Reduced financial aid options: Some schools offer limited or no financial aid for summer courses. Extra summer fees might offset any savings from cheaper classes, so be sure to check carefully before enrolling.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Do I need these credits to stay on track or graduate early?
2. Will I be able to manage the fast pace of a summer course?
3. Are the classes I need even offered this summer?
4. How will this impact my summer plans: work, internships, family time, or rest?
5. Am I doing this because it supports my goals, or just because I feel like I "should"?

Taking summer classes can be a smart move, but only if it aligns with your academic goals, financial realities, and personal needs. Take time to weigh the pros and cons, and don’t be afraid to ask your academic advisor for input. After all, summer is what you make of it!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!