The Ultimate Battle: Studying Vs. Partying (a.k.a Organization v. Procrastination)

A party on a Saturday night + a big exam on Monday = bad news.

So how do you fight the urge to go party or hang out with friends on the weekend? Well, I usually have my conscious to tell me, “You have to study. If you study, then you can go out.” Of course, this is hard to follow. However, in order to balance work and play, you should do a few things:

• Use a schedule to remember homework
Get a weekly calendar or planner. It is best if you can get a quarterly/semesters calendar in order to plan far ahead. Include when assignments are due and when quizzes and exams are. If you remember or write down the due dates, you won’t have to procrastinate. Keep an agenda with you during the day, and write down additional assignments and due dates, so that you will remember and add them to your calendar.

• Make daily or weekly checklists
For those really organized people, you should even make a list of daily tasks and assignments for you to check off. (I personally like using circles. I am more likely to complete tasks when there’s an empty circle for me to color in =] )

• Add study sessions to a fundamental weekly calendar
Make a weekly schedule including class times, sleeping times, and meals. Then add in blocks of time that you will use to do homework or study. Make it reasonable, and include decent amounts of time on the weekend as well – Let’s face it, we all procrastinate sometimes, and if you have a backup plan you will have a better chance of getting your assignments and studying done. Most importantly, schedule blocks where you can have fun, relax, and unwind from all your work.

• Tell your friends you will hang out with them another time
When you must deny an invitation to go out with friends, don’t fret. If you plan on going out for the weekend, get most of your assignments done first. You won’t feel as guilty because you worked for it.

I know this list may sound long and boring, but trust me, it works. I have all of the above mentioned tools in order to stay organized. I never even thought I needed all of it, until after my first quarter I realized I needed to pick up the pace. So, even if you aren’t an organized person, try at least a few of these suggestions. If you get your work done, then you will be able to write in that party on your calendar.

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