How to Balance Academics and Extracurriculars in College

If you have opportunities between academics and extracurriculars, which one would you prioritize?

One thing people don’t realize about college is that you’re not just there to take your classes and go. College offers so many opportunities outside of academe. You just need to grab at those opportunities.

However, many may hesitate to take advantage of the extracurriculars, possibly due to the fact that they might be unable to divide the time between these two.

We asked a few students from Silliman University who normally joke about how they Major in Organizations, and asked them how they balance their academic and extracurricular activities.

Some pieces of information were changed to preserve anonymity.

Nat, Matthew, and Mary are students that are known to be very active in their extracurricular activities on top of being full time students.

Here are their answers to the interview:

What are the organizations that you are active in? What are your responsibilities?

Matthew:

I’m currently the chairperson of the Silliman University Student Government Research Committee. I am the head of that Executive Committee. I am also the founder and lead-convenor of Mangrove Matters PH. The organization aims to promote and mainstream mangrove conservation efforts and providing nature-based solutions to coastal communities. I am also one of the members of the secretariat and research committee of Negros Environmental Watch which is a coalition of different organizations aiming to raise awareness and providing solutions to environmental issues in the province of Negros Occidental.

Mary:

I’m a member of the Silliman University Committee on Student Organizations and a member of Portal 2021, we coordinate with the different departments to produce, edit and release the yearbooks for all graduating students.

Nat:

I’m the Silliman University Debate Society President with overall executive duties, in charge of main communication between different debate societies across the Phil, and coordinator of all activities involving the organization. Also, I’m the 2nd year batch president and council officer of an academic organization where I help in council duties and posting along with other executive things.

Additionally, I’m an SUSG Assembly Student representative with legislative duties. We meet two Sundays a month plus special meetings. Lastly, I am an SUSG Assembly Resolutions committee member assigned to check, store, and archive resolutions while communicating with other offices and resolution proponents.

How much time in a week do you give to your extracurriculars relative to your academics? Do you think it’s balanced?

Matthew:

Honestly, I do more org works compared to academics since I am more willing and enthusiastic on that one. I spend normally 1-3 hours a day just for org work which includes online meetings and other responsibilities.

Mary:

In a week I try to give at least 10 hours for my extracurriculars. This is the case if there is much work to be done. But if there’s not much to do, I just give at more or less 5 hours. Then, if there are major work tasks I tend to give a lot of my time, I also give up some of my “me time” if needed. This happens if we have major events like Hibalag season. Also in the committee, we have to allot a lot of time to tally org events. Then for Portal you only get super busy at certain points especially when collecting the students’ information. So for super busy periods I usually give around 24 hours or more. Then the rest of my time I divide it for my studies and for myself.

Nat:

Normally it’s 2-4 hours per day if there is urgent work to be done.

What are your tips in balancing your academics and extracurriculars?

Matthew:

Time management. Get yourself a journal to keep track on your things and tasks. Normally, I would have myself a checklist to make myself accountable if I am not able to perform my tasks. If you feel overwhelmed, rest. Make sure to monitor your overall health which includes both mental and physical health. Get yourself a support system if you want to share your burdens and other things that you want to share. If you feel like you have accomplished something, no matter how big or small it is, get yourself a treat. If you feel like you have not accomplished a lot, small progress is still progress. Lastly, never force yourself to work if you are not capable. Prioritize your health. Inform your teacher or friends about your condition and let’s hope that they will understand your situation.

Mary:

MANAGE YOUR TIME. I can’t stress enough how important this is when it comes to balancing academics and extracurriculars. I’m not that good at it though, but I try my best. Just know that you should plan out your daily schedule and strictly follow it so everything gets done.

If you procrastinate, then there are going to be backlogs which is really annoying because it ruins the flow your tasks. This could even result to you not completing your work or you having to sacrifice even more time. So divide your time for your extracurriculars, academics and for yourself and stick to the schedule. Make sure to also practice discipline when working.

Refrain from using gadgets when working because it can really distract you. You tell yourself you’ll rest for 5 minutes and decide to use your phone. That 5 minutes magically turns into 5 hours and there’s no way to get that time back. Lastly, do your work as early as you can. It may be tiring, but completing tasks early gives you so much of an advantage, especially when every minute counts. That way you don’t have to speedrun things by the last minute. Its 2021, let’s stop cramming. And remember, sometimes it can get overbearing so it’s totally okay to take a break but make sure to recover lost time afterwards. Just don’t strain yourself too much.

Nat:

Just don’t lose focus. Sort out your priorities and stick to them. Everything will fall in place, and balance itself out.