Managing Challenging College Course Loads

The beginning of the college semester always seems to be going well. Those four really hard upper level classes you are taking seem super manageable and you are patting yourself on the back for doing all your work & making it to the gym a few times per week. And then all of the sudden BAM. Everything hits you and once and suddenly, that challenging course load gets 1000000x more challenging. We’ve all been there. I am here to walk you through how to manage that challenging course load even when you feel as if you are drowning.

Step Away

The most important thing to do when you feel overwhelmed by work is step away. Yes, I repeat, STEP AWAY. Go on a walk, clear your mind and allow yourself to calm down. If you are trying to write three papers while studying for an exam while silently crying in the library, you are not going to be productive.

In a few hours when you feel as if you are a bit more level headed, go back to your work. I guarantee that you will get a lot more done if you allow yourself the break.

Plan it Out

By writing down deadlines and staying organized (whether that is in Google Calendar or in a planner), you will have an easier time remembering everything. If you know that you are going to have a super tough week with a lot of work or exams, make sure to plan ahead! Starting early and avoiding procrastination will help you a lot in the long run.

Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to tell your professors if you are struggling. They are there to help you! In fact, they get PAID to help you. Express to them your concerns if you have them and ask for help if you need it.

Drop a Course

If it is getting to the point where one course is causing you significant stress to the point where you cannot focus on anything else, considering dropping it especially if you don’t need it for your major. There is absolutely no shame in dropping a course–I know so many people who have (and honestly, I would be surprised if I graduate without having done this!).

Find Studdy Buddies

Studying with other people in the course can be so much more fun and productive than studying alone. Plus, you have peers to commiserate with because chances are they are feeling very similar to how you are!

I hope these tips on how to manage a challenging course load helped! Good luck this semester!