Universities and colleges are a hotbed of innovation, so it’s no surprise that students are starting up their own businesses from their dorm rooms. If you’re a business owner and a student, you’ll know that it can be difficult balancing all of your responsibilities. Here’s how you can run your business and keep up your grades at the same time.
Pick the right classes.
Firstly, it’s a good idea to pick classes that can help you. “I took classes in creative writing and business management,” says Paper Fellows founder, Daniel Peterson. “These helped me improve my business and writing skills, and I could even use some of my business projects for credits in class.” Take care in picking your classes, and be mindful of how much time you have to dedicate to both school and work.
Know how you work best.
Before you even think of making a schedule, you’ll need to know what conditions you need to work in. For example, do you work better in a crowded library, or the calm of your own dorm room? Are you an early riser or a night owl? Find out when and where you’re at your most productive, and use that information to your advantage. You can use your productive times to tackle work emails or assignments, so you get more done.
Get ahead.
Most students will leave an assignment ’til the last minute. That may work for them, but you have a business to run, too. Get ahead of yourself whenever you can. When you get assignments, get them done early, or make a part of it every day. Don’t forget to proofread it using Academized or another proof-reading service so you can be sure you’re not up against the deadline. This gives you space to breathe when you need it most.
Create a schedule.
All of the best entrepreneurs use a schedule, and you can too. You’ve already got a structure, as you have classes that you have to attend. Make sure you’re striking a good work/life balance by scheduling in time to eat, relax and socialise. This way, you’re ensuring that you know what you’re supposed to be doing, when you’re doing it. This will help you get your day organised, and you’ll find that you can actually get a lot more done.
Use the tools available to you.
At college, there’s a lot out there that can actually help you strike a balance between work and study. Talk to the student support teams at your school, as they can give you a lot of advice on how to get help. Use school resources while you can too, especially in the library. There’s also plenty of online tools that can help with both school and work. State of Writing, for example, has writing guides that can help you with any writing task.
Make lists and stick to them.
It’s always a good idea to have a daily plan of attack. Write lists every morning and create a plan for the day. Nothing is more satisfying than ticking items off as you complete them, and it helps to ensure that you’re not forgetting anything. When you make these lists, identify your most important tasks. Ensure you do them first every day, so you can keep them on track and on top of what you have to do.
These tips will help you to find that perfect work/study balance whilst at university. Make money and keep your grades up at the same time, without burning out, or worse, having to drop out. These tips show you that it really can be done. See for yourself!
Written by Brenda Berg. Brenda is a professional with over 15 years of experience in business management, marketing and entrepreneurship. Consultant and tutor for college students and entrepreneurs. She believes that constant learning is the only way to success. You can visit her personal blog at Letsgoandlearn.com.
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