College Students: Take Time To Socialize

During your college years, there will be moments where you will be busy with classwork, projects, and other commitments and it can be stressful. Budgeting your time is key and taking care of your schoolwork is a must. Getting bogged down can happen but taking time to socialize with others on a regular basis can help relieve some of that stress. Finding different ways to socialize with your friends can help relieve some of the stress you are feeling and help bring a bit more balance to your college experience.

Even though taking time to study and do your homework is a must, there are several different ways in which you can budget some time a week to socialize and hang out with others. Below are some suggestions:

• Get Involved With Different Campus Organizations- Whether it's Greek Life, the campus radio or television station, a community service group, etc. getting involved with the different groups on campus will help you budget your time and give you something to look forward to on a weekly basis. It will also help get you out of your dorm room or apartment and meet others
  
• Start a Weekly Event With People Who Share Common Interests- During my freshmen year at Otterbein, Sunday evening became Ultimate Frisbee night where a bunch of my friends and I would gather for a weekly frisbee game. For some of my other friends, it was a weekly get together to play Magic The Gathering, Poker, Halo or Nintendo Wii. These weekly events provided a way to relax during the week, enjoy the company of others who shared the same interests and relax. Find a way to start a weekly event such as these and it will help you socialize with people on a regular basis
  
• Take Time To Hang Out With Others When Invited and When You Can Go With Them- If a bunch of your friends are going to go to the theater to see a play and you can go, go with them! If they are going to a sporting event on campus and you can go, go with them! Taking time to enjoy these opportunities will help take you away from your stresses and help you relax a bit. It will also get you to socialize with the people you are hanging out with too!