Attending a technical college is a wonderful experience you will reflect upon for the rest of your life. Balancing work and college life is one of the most important aspects for a working student to succeed. We say ‘balance’ because they must find time, energy, and positivity for all their combined activities including some fun.
If you live with other people, you must develop an understanding with them for some quiet time to study and complete assignments. You need to set a realistic class schedule, study on a regular schedule, and learn to separate work life from college life. Arranging finances before each semester or term will help relieve the stress of paying for tuition and living expenses. Apply for numerous grants and scholarships to supplement your earnings.
Work-Life, College life: Select A Realistic Class Schedule
This balancing act requires working students to schedule classes and labs for realistic days and times. You should coordinate your college life with your employer so you will not miss classes for work or vice versa. Allow plenty of time to study, conduct research, complete assignments, and seek help when you need it.
If you must work days, you will need to schedule at night or on the weekends. If you work part-time, you may have the flexibility of going to school mornings, afternoons, or nights. Ask your employer if you will ever need to work additional hours that may interfere with attending classes. This simple advanced planning will pay off in the long run.
Stay Focused On A Study Schedule
Some days do not have enough hours in them to get everything done. It is easy to become distracted by things in and out of your routine. One thing you should maintain to stay balanced is a regular study place and time. Just as athletes train their muscles and bodies on a regular schedule, your mind will accept a study schedule and you will learn more in less time.
Staying focused on a regular study schedule becomes a useful habit. You will soon look forward to this time because you know it is devoted to your academic success. It provides an outlet for absorbing and understanding your studies and confidence you have the time to do it.
| “The most successful working students learn to balance their college lives and work lives.” |
Work-Life, College Life: Mentally Separate Work and College
Success in this endeavor means keeping your mind on work when at work and keeping your mind on college when attending or studying. You want to avoid concern about college assignments while on the job. This can be costly in the form of an injury or getting laid off when there is too much mental or emotional distraction.
Spend time each day planning for your work and academic tasks. These plans give you more confidence in daily activities knowing you have goals and the steps to carry them out. Ask questions in class and labs so you will know about what the instructors covered. You will go home with a clearer idea of what to study and review.
Establish an Understanding with Family or Roommates
If you live with family or roommates, you must establish an understanding that you need some quiet time to study and complete homework assignments… Occasionally, others will have leisure time and want you to spend it with them. You need to learn to say ‘no’ when needed and take a rain check.
Arrange Your Finances to Relieve Stress and Worry
Spend adequate time researching all possible financial aid sources. Thousands of dollars go unused at most two-year colleges because not enough students apply for them. Research these typical funds in addition to earnings and savings and coordinate with the financial aid office:
- Federal Pell Grants
- Other Grants
- Local Scholarships
- State or National Scholarships
- Work-Study Programs
- College Loans
Think of the time spent applying for these funds as a part-time job before enrolling in college. You may be surprised at how many opportunities you qualify for. Seek help when you need it, and the time spent will help relieve stress and worry when you begin classes. Now is also a time to be conservative with your expenses.
Balancing work-life and college life can be challenging at times, and that is why you need a plan of action. Make sure you leave some time for fun, relaxing, family, and friends to round out your life. Your college career services office and financial aid office will provide valuable insights for you. Call us today at (877) 591-1070 for more information!
For more information about graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website: https://www.iticollege.edu/disclosures
