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A Guide to Balancing College Academics and Personal Well-Being 

Whether you are a first-year student or returning to college, the transition can be overwhelming. Balancing schoolwork, a job, personal time, social activities, sports, and other commitments can contribute to stress. This guide offers strategies to help you navigate the challenges of college life and promote overall well-being.

Mental health challenges can often manifest during significant life transitions. Moving away from home can be particularly isolating, especially for individuals who relocate to unfamiliar environments. This transition can disrupt established support systems and routines, potentially leading to feelings of loneliness, anxiety, or depression.

In an interview with our on-campus counselor, Macy Weymar, she shares tips and strategies to deal with these emotions. Macy suggests, “Be open to building a community here at Fisher. While it may still be hard to be away from home, it will help you feel connected here too.” Although the thought of making new friends and reaching out may seem scary, it’s important to remember that many students are in the same boat and share similar anxieties. Macy suggests reflecting on the types of people you connect with and the qualities you value in a friend. She also advises recognizing your own strengths and contributions to a friendship. Additionally, she recommends taking the initiative to say hello and introduce yourself, as this can make it easier to connect with others when you’re ready to make new friends.

One of the more common challenges students face is balancing academic work with personal and social commitments. While it's important to maintain good grades, it's equally important to make time for self-care. Macy advises, "Find out what type of self-care works for you: walks, showers, reading, putting on comfy clothes, drinking water, calling a friend or family member, exercising, and meditating." Personal time is not only crucial for your well-being but can also help you recharge and stay focused on your long-term goals.  

When trying to juggle too many tasks and taking on too much responsibility, can lead to burnout, a serious condition that should not be overlooked. Many people miss the signs of burnout, which can vary from person to person. Macy urges us to prioritize self-care, saying, “Self-care and boundaries are key. Pay attention to the signs [that] you may be feeling burnt out, this looks different for everyone. The sooner you notice, the sooner you can act. Check what’s working for you and what isn’t.”

College burnout often results from the increased workload associated with the transition from high school to college. Balancing this workload with other responsibilities can feel overwhelming. We also reached out to Joshua Mckain, the College Librarian, who shared tips on managing your classwork load. He suggested, “Take a look at the syllabus from each course in which you are enrolled and write a list of assignments that you need to get done, including a liberal estimate of the expected amount of time that you think you will need to complete each task. Include the information on a calendar so you can visualize the expectations that you have for yourself and see times when you are free.” This approach allows you to identify potential time constraints early on and seek support from your professors if needed.

Finding a study spot is another key to getting work done more effectively. Take a second to think about what your study environment looks like, consider whether you work best in a dark, quiet space or if you prefer semi-light conditions with some background noise. Do you thrive in a loud environment, or do you need complete silence to concentrate? Understanding your needs can increase productivity during your studying time. Joshua also shares that the Library and the Writing Academic Support Center, located on the second floor of 118 Beacon Street, give you quiet, beautiful spaces for studying and relaxing. You can also get extra help in your classes from a tutor while you are there.

Procrastination is a common challenge for many college students and can interfere with balancing academics and personal life. One effective strategy to combat procrastination is to implement a reward system. As Joshua suggests, “Get your work done first so you can enjoy a ‘carrot’ (reward) like free time for yourself, free time with your friends, or some time to catch up on sleep.” By prioritizing your responsibilities upfront, you can reduce stress and enjoy well-deserved rewards.

For seniors, this year will be filled with transitions and a lot of activity. From the very first day of your senior year, you will need to focus on selecting the right courses, completing internships, and eventually applying for potential future roles. However, it’s important to take a moment to reflect on how far you’ve come and the challenges you’ve faced along the way. Macy, shared a valuable piece of advice, “Validate that things are hard and scary! This way, you can ask for help, focus on the specifics, and be attuned to your needs.” The truth is, this year will teach you a lot about yourself, which can be overwhelming. Macy advises those who are graduating: “Talk it out. Ask professors, staff, friends, classmates, family, and people in your field what they think. Hearing other opinions may reinforce yours or teach you something new.” It is okay to ask for help and as Macy says, “No concern is too small, and no fear is too big to bring up in counseling. This space is yours to process and share openly on your terms.” Don’t hesitate to seek help, whether for academics or mental health. Fisher College provides resources to help you through tough times.

Resources Available on Campus

Counseling Services

Feeling overwhelmed? Need someone to talk to?

Fisher College offers confidential and non-judgmental mental health support services to help you navigate the challenges of college life.

Here's how to connect:

Our counselors are located on the lower level of 1 Arlington.

Health Office

Need a check-up or have a question?

The Fisher College Health Office is here for your general health needs. They can address:

  • Minor illnesses and injuries
  • Cold and flu symptoms
  • Medication questions
  • And more!

Stop by the Health Office at 118 Beacon Street.

Alternatively, reach out by email: healthservices@fisher.edu or phone: (617) 236-8860.

Office of Student Accessibility Services 

Need academic support due to a disability?

Fisher College is committed to providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for all students. If you have a documented disability, such as ADHD, a learning disability, a mental health condition, a physical limitation, or a vision or hearing impairment, you may be eligible for academic accommodations to help you succeed.

Contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services (OSAS) by email: OSAS@fisher.edu

They will work with you to determine appropriate accommodations based on your individual needs.

Tutoring Services

Need a helping hand?

Take advantage of our free tutoring services at Fisher College! We offer tutoring in a variety of subjects.

Ready to schedule an appointment? Visit our booking calendar to find a time that works for you.

 

Remember, you're not alone—Fisher is here to help you every step of the way!