University Athletics: How to Balance Sports and Studies
Since exercise is crucial for both your physical and mental health, it’s definitely a good idea to be involved in university athletics. The downside is this will take time away from your studies, especially if you’re in a team that needs to go away to tournaments. To ensure you’re able to give your all to your sport without your academics suffering, there are a few things you need to do.1. Communicate with Your Professors and Coach
Your professors and coach want you to succeed, but they’ll be unable to help you unless you communicate with them. Let your professors know when you’ll be unable to make it to class due to a game and tell your coach when you have an important school project coming up. Discuss any scheduling conflicts to find a solution as soon as possible. For instance, your coach may give you permission to miss practice and your professors may be able to give you an extension for an assignment or reschedule a lab.2. Work on Your Time Management
All students need to be organized, but good time management is extra important for student athletes, who need to keep track of two major commitments. Use either a physical or a digital planner to create a weekly schedule that includes your classes, practice times, and other commitments (such as a part-time job and clubs). Divide up the rest of your time for studying as well as for socializing and resting — these are important, too.3. Use Short Periods of Downtime to Study
Take advantage of all the time you have available to you, even when it’s just 20 minutes or less. In addition to writing this time into your schedule, be prepared to use unexpected downtime for studying. For instance, you could keep flash cards in your backpack, read over your notes from your classes that day, or brainstorm ideas for a paper you need to write.4. Study with Your Teammates
No one understands your situation better than your teammates. Consider forming a study group with them to keep all of you motivated and hold each other accountable.5. Choose Classes You’ll Enjoy
It’s important you pick classes that won’t clash with your training schedule. However, this doesn’t mean you should choose just anything that meets your academic requirements — you should always look for classes you’ll find interesting. When you enjoy your classes, you’re more likely to give your academics the attention they deserve and do well.Critical to your success, both in sports and in your studies, is sufficient rest. Since living on campus exposes you to all sorts of interruptions and noise, it’s better to move into student apartments. Oshawa has Foundry 1805 — a student community with everything you need under one roof. You’ll be able to work out in the wellness center, prepare nutritious meals in your bright white kitchen, and use the 24-hour study rooms to fit in study sessions whenever you have the time. Best of all, you’re just steps from campus. Apply now to secure the type of floor plan you want.