Chances are, as a Marshall student, you’ll pick up a part-time job at some point — either on campus or somewhere in Huntington. The trick is balancing your priorities. With classes and other commitments, it’s easy to feel swamped.
If you’re trying to juggle school and work, here are a few tips to help you stay on track:
- Use a master calendar: Keep track of everything — class times, due dates, exams, holidays, big commitments, your work schedule and anything else that matters to you. Bonus tip: Download the Marshall app! It’s a super easy way to track your schedule and assignments in one place.
- Create to-do lists that actually work: Break your tasks into daily or weekly lists, and group them however it makes sense for you. It helps you see what’s most important and keeps even a packed schedule from feeling overwhelming. You can go old-school with pen and paper or try digital tools like Google Tasks, Todoist or Trello.
- Prioritize your classes: We know work is important, but school should always come first! If you notice yourself starting to deprioritize classes, take a step back and reevaluate your schedule.
- Communicate early: When you get a job, let your employer know your availability and any major commitments ahead of time.
- Use downtime wisely: Since work cuts into your free time, make the most of the breaks you do have. Study between classes, review notes during your commute (if using public transportation) or use short breaks to get small tasks done.
- Don’t overload your schedule: Start with fewer work hours until you know how demanding your classes are. It’s easier to add hours later than to cut back if you’re already overwhelmed.
- Take care of yourself: Don’t forget to get enough sleep, eat something healthy, move your body and take breaks. Resting is just as important as staying busy and being involved.
If you need extra information or support, check out Marshall’s Student Resources for a full list of what’s available.