# Balancing School and Social Life - Tips for students

1. Prioritise Your Time

To balance school and social life, you need to prioritise your time. Make a list of your academic and personal goals and allocate time for each activity. Prioritising your time will help you stay organised and focused, and you'll be less likely to miss deadlines or forget important social events.

2. Create a Schedule

Creating a schedule is essential to balance school and social life. Use a planner or a scheduling app to map out your week, including classes, study time, and social activities. By creating a schedule, you'll be able to manage your time better and avoid conflicts between schoolwork and social events. I use a page called Notion. It’s both free to use, and has a payed plus version.

3. Learn to Say No

It's okay to say no to social events if you have too much schoolwork or assignments to do. Don't feel guilty about declining invitations. Your academic success should be your top priority, and sometimes, you need to focus on your studies. However, if you have free time and can manage your workload, go out and socialise. Sometimes, all you need is to:

4. Take Breaks

It's essential to take breaks to avoid burnout. Schedule breaks in your day to relax, socialise, or do something you enjoy. A lot of people find music as a helpful tool. Taking breaks will help you recharge your batteries and be more productive when you return to your studies.

5. Stay Organised

Staying organised is crucial to balance school and social life. Keep your study area clean and tidy, and use folders or binders to organise your notes. If you’re working online, on computer/mac, keep your files sorted in systemised folders. Staying organised will help you stay on top of your schoolwork and avoid last-minute stress. This will result in higher quality work.

6. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Use technology to your advantage to balance school and social life. Use apps like Google Calendar to schedule your time and set reminders for important deadlines. (Or notion, as I use myself). You can also use productivity apps like Evernote, google keep, or again Notion to manage your tasks and stay organized.

7. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep is crucial for your overall well-being and academic success. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to feel rested and energised. Lack of sleep can affect your concentration, memory, and mood, making it difficult to balance school and social life.

8. Develop Good Study Habits

Developing good study habits is essential to balance school and social life. Find a study routine that works for you, whether it's studying for a few hours every day or cramming for exams the night before. Also, find a productive and comfortable study environment, whether it's a quiet library or a cosy coffee shop.

9. Take Advantage of Your School's Resources

Take advantage of your school's resources to help you balance school and social life. Many schools offer study groups, tutoring services, and academic counselling. By taking advantage of these resources, you can improve your academic performance and reduce stress.

10. Communicate with Your Friends and Family

Communication is key to balancing school and social life. Talk to your friends and family about your academic goals and commitments. They can offer support and understanding and help you manage your time effectively. If they know your schedule, they won’t be offended or surprised when you have to decline an invitation or reschedule for another time.

Conclusion

Balancing school and social life can be tricky, but it's not impossible. By prioritising your time, creating a schedule, and taking breaks, you'll be able to manage your academic and personal commitments effectively. Use technology and your school's resources to your advantage, and communicate with your loved ones about your goals and commitments. With a little effort and planning, you can achieve academic success and have an active social life.

Remember, finding a balance is a process, and it's okay to make mistakes or adjust your plans along the way. Be patient and consistent, and you'll find a balance that works for you!