Spring is finally here. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and the temperature is finally looking up. People are ready to have fun outside with their friends now! For students, Spring Break just ended and they are now on the home stretch of their semesters. Projects and homework are piling up and huge tests are right around the corner. Things are getting hectic and if you’re like I was, you probably have a tendency to lock yourself down in your dorm room to get work done and put your friends on the back burner. I’m here to give you three tips on how to maintain your friendships in the midst of your busy semester.

  1. Planning

    2. Make time for your friends! All of your professors should have given you a syllabus at the beginning of the semester, so you know exactly when your tests take place and when your projects are due. Use this to your advantage. Plan when to work on homework and make plans to spend time with your friends. If you’re struggling to find a time to meet up, remember that meals are a great time to get together because everyone has to eat.

  2. Value the Time You Spend With Friends

    3. If you are as busy as I am, it really is a blessing that you can find a minute to see and talk to people you love. Be glad that you are able to get some time away from your studies to hangout and have fun with your friends. Your friends are most likely just as busy as you during this home stretch, so don’t take it lightly that they are sacrificing precious study time to spend time with you, as well. Value the time you have with them because, as the semester goes on, you are only going to get more and more busy.

  3. Don’t Focus on School

    4. When you finally are able to spend time with your friends I guarantee your mind is going to drift toward all the stuff you have to get done for your classes. Try to distance yourself from those thoughts and focus on having fun and ridding yourself of any pent up stress. You don’t want to be distracted from enjoying the company of your friends because, honestly, the thought of not doing work when there is work to be done is stressful.  You also don’t want your time with your friends spent complaining about all the work you have to get done. Put schoolwork at the back of your mind when you have the opportunity to spend time with your friends and just enjoy life.

    And above all, don’t stress about balancing the school and friendships.

    You’re smart person, you can balance the two with ease. Just remember to plan in advance a time to hang out, value the time you spend with your friends, and don’t focus on school when you’re with them. Being able to maintain those friendships will go a long way in helping to limit any stressors that may arrive during the final leg of the semester. You only have a few more weeks! You can get through it.

    Warmly,

    Zacch

    Intern at Thriveworks