Key takeaways
- A life hack is a simple tip that can make an everyday task easier.
- Life hacks can help busy students save time and stress less.
- Small changes to your daily routine can make your responsibilities more manageable.
- Cooking meals in batches, making use of free time between classes, and packing your backpack the night before are just a few examples of life hacks.
It’s no secret that college can be busy. As you’re juggling classes, homework, and your social life, you may feel like you don’t have enough time in the day. Even with a 24-hour limit, life hacks are simple changes you can make to your day that can make it easier to handle your responsibilities. They can help you save time, ease stress, and get more done.
Let’s explore our top 10 life hacks for busy college students.
10 life hacks for busy college students
The good news is that you don’t need to completely change your routine to make it easier. Trying one or two of these tips can make a big difference and help you stay on top of everything you need to do in college.
1. Use time in between classes.
Have 20 minutes free before your next class? It may not sound like much time, but you can use it to get something done.
You could:
- Review notes for one of your classes.
- Start a homework assignment.
- Answer a few emails.
- Add a deadline to your calendar.
- Grab a snack or refill your water bottle.
You don’t have to spend every bit of free time studying. If you feel up to getting a small task done, it can help save time later.
2. Pack your backpack the night before.
It can be hard enough to wake up early in the morning for your first task. Trying to find your laptop charger and remembering everything you need to bring at 8 a.m. can be even harder. That’s why many students find it easier to pack the night before.
It can also help to keep your keys, wallet, and other important belongings in the same place, so they’re less likely to get lost. If you tend to forget things, try keeping a checklist at your desk or by the bedroom door to help remember everything.
3. Cook several meals at once.
Cooking every day can be tough with a busy schedule. Instead, you can cook ahead of time and save a meal or two for later in the week. Pasta, soup, and rice bowls can all make easy meals.
You can also prepare part of a meal ahead of time. For example, roasting a sheet pan of vegetables can give you sides for more than one meal. Having food ready to go in your dorm can also help you save money on eating out.
4. Try time blocking.
If you have a lot to get done, schedule time for each task on your calendar. This is called time blocking. For example, you may want to block an hour before your morning class to work on an assignment or set aside 30 minutes to review your notes.
You don’t have to plan every minute of every day. Start with a few important things you need to get done. Keeping track of your time can help you get everything done more easily. Plus, it can help reduce the time you spend switching between tasks.
5. Break big assignments into smaller tasks.
“Write a 10-page essay” sounds overwhelming. “Choose a topic” sounds like an easy way to get started.
If you’re not sure where to begin on a big task, make a list of the steps you need to take. Making progress on a long essay could look like this:
- Choose a topic.
- Find sources.
- Create an outline.
- Write a first draft.
- Edit and proofread your draft.
- Submit your essay.
You don’t have to do all of this at once. Focusing on one step at a time can help you make steady progress.
6. Keep a portable charger in your bag.
A dead phone can be difficult to deal with, especially on a busy day. You may need your phone to check your schedule or get in touch with classmates. Having a portable charger in your bag can boost your battery power when you can’t find an outlet nearby.
7. Have short study sessions.
You don’t always need hours to study. Try studying for 25 minutes and take a 5-minute break before your next study session. This is called the Pomodoro Technique. It’s designed to help prevent burnout, which makes learning much easier.
Short study sessions can also work well when you’re busy. Every bit of time adds up and can make a difference. Check out these tips to make the most of your study sessions.
8. Quiz yourself while you study.
Rereading your notes isn’t the only way to study. Try to see how much you remember without your notes. You can also use flashcards to quiz yourself. This is called active recall, and it can help you figure out what you know well and what you need to review. Try this if you have some free time before a class or during a longer study session.
9. Make a study playlist.
Music can make studying a little more enjoyable. Create a playlist with songs you like and use it while you’re working on assignments or going through your notes. You can also make a playlist specifically for studying, and including relaxing songs can help ease stress. Plus, sticking with the same list can send a signal to your brain that it’s time to study.
10. Make time for yourself.
Life hacks aren’t about getting something done every minute of the day. College is busy, so taking time to relax can help you recharge. Need to unwind a bit? Take a walk, meet up with friends, or even watch a movie. Even a short break can go a long way toward preventing burnout.
What’s the right life hack for your day?
Not every life hack will work for every student. Check out this quick guide to find one that may fit your routine.
| If you want to…. | Try this life hack |
| Make better use of spare time | Use the time between classes |
| Make mornings less stressful | Pack your backpack the night before |
| Spend less time cooking | Cook several meals at once |
| Keep track of your time | Try time blocking |
| Make a big assignment easier to start | Break big assignments into smaller tasks |
| Keep your phone charged | Keep a portable charger in your bag |
| Get more out of your study time | Have short study sessions |
| Make studying more enjoyable | Make a study playlist |
| Prevent burnout | Make time for yourself |
Make your college life easier
College can be a busy time, but a quick shortcut here and there can simplify your life. Try some of these life hacks and see which ones work best for you. Even a small change can help you save time, lower stress, and make room for more things you enjoy.
Where you go to college can make a difference, too. Finding a school that fits your needs can help make your college life a great experience. Ready to explore some of your options? Try our FREE College Match tool. It can help you discover colleges based on your interests.
Frequently asked questions
What are life hacks for college students?
Life hacks are easy tips or shortcuts that can make your daily life more manageable. They can help college students save time, reduce stress, and stay on top of their busy schedules.
How can college students save time?
College students can save time by using free time in between classes, cooking several meals at once, and time-blocking their schedules.
What is a good study hack for college students?
Using the Pomodoro Technique can be a great study hack. To try it, study for 25 minutes before taking a 5-minute break. Then, you can start another session. This easy trick can help prevent burnout.
How can I stay organized in college?
Keeping your belongings in the same place can help prevent losing them. Using a calendar can help you keep track of important deadlines and responsibilities.
How can I make college less stressful?
You don’t have to fill every minute of your day with homework. Taking breaks when you need them gives you a chance to de-stress. Making time for relaxing, spending time with friends, and the activities you enjoy can help you have a more fulfilling college experience.
