College: Balancing grades with a social life

Going off to college comes with a lot of change. Change in responsibility, workload and, if you're like most college students, new experiences when it comes to social interaction. With so much to adjust to, it's no wonder so many students have difficulty balancing keeping up their grades with enjoying a vibrant social life.

While it's true achieving a strong GPA takes work, there are many ways students can combine their academics and social life and make many friends. Here are a few tips of how students can succeed in academics, get good grades and have time to spend with their new friends:

Establish a self-imposed schedule

Many students fall into the excitement and dizziness of all the social opportunities college offers and, as a result, end up blowing their grades. The good news is it is entirely possible to have the best of both worlds. While not easy, balancing grades with a social life is doable.

The best way to ensure your work is completed in a timely fashion is to set a study routine. Find a schedule that works, stick to it and follow it daily. While it's OK to have some distraction and go off impulsively to have some fun if an event or opportunity comes up, be sure you have scheduled "makeup" time so you don't lose out on valuable study time. When you set a schedule, you remove both the procrastination and temptation to neglect studies in favor of social activities.

Join academic-related clubs or groups

Why not kill two birds with one stone? Join an academic club to enhance and reinforce your learning while hanging out with other students who share similar interests. Clubs are a great way to combine learning with socialization. As a bonus, you'll start your professional network which will be valuable even after college.

Join or create a study group

Studying in solitary can get pretty boring or mundane. Sure, for some students it works but if you want to mix it up, try a study group. If none exist, talk to others in your classes and see if you can get one started. These groups are a great way to blend socialization and learning. You can make new friends and get your work done. A great benefit to study groups is you can join a good support network and make friends who are also struggling to try to balance friendships with their studies.

Study in the library

Instead of locking yourself in your dorm room to do your studies, why not consider taking your books and notes to the library? This way you don't feel so isolated and lonely. In the library, you can meet other like-minded students and also be sure to get your work done and keep on top of your grades.

While the primary objective of college is to pass your courses with good grades and get your degree, it's important to not neglect socialization. If you put all of your focus on your studies and don't make friends, you're bound to become lonely, and this can lead to depression. Consequently, you don't want to go out and make so many friends you completely disregard your studies either. In college, it's easy to get sidetracked and spend time partying or going out with friends.

Socialization is definitely an important facet of college, however, grades are important too. Moderation is the key and by trying to combine socialization with academics you can accomplish both needs.