The names have been changed, but the questions are real...
Q:
I have this huge gap in my schedule - four hours actually - any suggestions as to what I could do while waiting to go to my next class?
-- DAN
NEW YORK, NY
A: Great question, Dan! Four hours is a huge gap; luckily, there are plenty of things you can do with it.
In high school you went to class during the day, and did homework at night. College, as you've probably figured out in the last few weeks, is totally different! You do plenty of studying during the day, and a nice big gap between classes lets you really dig into Introduction to Ethics. Try wandering around the library until you find your personal favorite study spot. You can also:
- get a work/study job
- visit your advisor or professors
- ask some classmates to meet you for coffee and a review of the day's notes
- clear up some of that missing paperwork (every freshman has some).
Still have time? Here's something really special you can do. All colleges have secret treasures - things like hidden rooftop gardens, free art galleries, and special collections. I once worked at a university that boasted an entire Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton peering over the staircase. Make it your quest to find at least one "secret" this semester - and share it with someone worthy!
Q: Now I'm living on campus, the never-ending temptation to hang out with my friends is interfering with my work. What are some suggestions
to keep the delicate balance?
-- JASMINE
NEW YORK, NY
A: Jasmine, I love that you're asking me this question now, when you and your fellow freshmen still have time to seek that magical balance in your very first college semester!
I could give you some tips about how to communicate with your friends about your need to study and earn good grades. If you were my advisee, I could suggest that we meet up and role-play to get you ready for that conversation.
I could give you some statistics about how many hours you should be studying each week in order to get the grades you want.
But my advice to you today is: Run and hide. Decide when you're going to the library to work. Slip out when nobody's looking and find a study spot so deep in the bowels of the library that no one can find you. If your friends can't find you, they can't tempt you. And if you can't see them, you won't be distracted. When your work is done you can show up again, and socialize without guilt.
Happy balancing!
