Staying active can be challenging when you first enter college and can also be quite frustrating. Starting a solid routine that includes exercise will help to keep you organized and on track for a good day. Exercise not only improves your physical well-being, but it helps to improve your mental and emotional health, creating a de-stressing environment. Try your best to stick with it as a routine creates structure and helps to ensure your physical, mental and emotional health are attended to.

Plan a schedule for studying

The most important reason that you are studying here at Saint Vincent College is to receive a great education. Studying will be a crucial part of your success during your time in college. Laying out a schedule for studying including when you will study, where it will take place and what you will study can set you on a path towards success; however, trying to plan out how much to study will be a challenge. It is recommended that you spend at least two hours of studying for every hour you are in class. So, if you spend 2 hours in class, you should plan to spend at least four hours of studying the content of that class.

Being able to layout your studying schedule for the week can set you up to understand how much time you have to pursue other activities and opportunities on campus. Once you create a schedule, stick to it to ensure you keep up with all your schoolwork and your academic obligations.

Keep a planner

One of the best things you can do for yourself and to help keep yourself organized is to keep a planner. Logging all your scheduled tests, your homework and required events will help you stay on track with your schoolwork. In addition, keeping a planner can help you keep track of exciting events and activities here on campus. Microsoft calendar, Google Calendar or even a hard copy planner can help keep you up to date.

Take breaks when you need them
We all need to step away and take time for our mental and emotional wellbeing every once in a while, and it’s important that we do so. Taking the evening and doing something for yourself, having a self-care Sunday with your roommates or going out and enjoying the outdoors to clear your mind are great ways to step away from the craziness of college.

There are many wonderful aspects of being a student in college: making new friends, earning a degree and discovering new parts of you that you never knew of before. But often, we can get caught up in the excitement of wanting to do everything all the time. Take time for yourself and focus on you to ensure you do not run into a burnout.

Attend campus events

One of the best ways to get involved on campus is by attending campus events and activities. The Activities Programming Board (as you will see as APB) is largely responsible for many events that come to campus. Regional winners for outstanding programming, APB brings movie nights, hypnotists and more to keep you busy here at Saint Vincent College.

Attending events can also lead to great friendships. Meeting up with classmates who might be commuters or a student you do not see often because of classes helps to foster those long-lasting relationships, so make them memorable by participating in dodgeball or a painting party.

These events also give you a first-hand look into some of our student-led clubs and organizations here at Saint Vincent. Attending these events not only shows your support for each organization that hosts the event but shows you the many opportunities you have by being part of the SVC community.