Students blog

I know that college can feel overwhelming at times. Between assignments, quizzes, and midterms, it’s easy to fall into a routine that feels repetitive and draining. I’ve definitely been there.

Then I started journaling. What started as a simple way to organize my thoughts turned into something much more: a space for creativity, reflection, and inspiration. Journaling has not only helped me stay organized but also reminded me to slow down and reconnect with myself.

Getting Started: Monthly Spreads

Journaling can feel intimidating at first, especially if you’re new to it. A good place to start is by creating monthly spreads: a comprehensive overview of everything you have scheduled for the month. You can jot down due dates, midterms, projects, social events, and hangouts—whatever is on your plate.

It’s a great way to stay organized and visually see what’s ahead. When I started doing this, it made such a difference. It gave me a sense of control and helped me mentally separate my academic life from my personal one.

Making It Your Own

Once you feel more comfortable, you can get as creative as you want. Depending on the month, try adding colors, doodles, or decorations that match the vibe.

For example, my July spread was full of all things summer. October, on the other hand, was packed with cute Halloween doodles: ghosts, pumpkins, and candy everywhere. That’s what makes journaling so fun; you can customize it to your own style and personality.

I’ve also found it helpful to create weekly spreads. These are perfect for writing down your day-to-day plans or smaller tasks that don’t quite fit on the monthly page. It’s a great way to stay on top of homework, chores, and other small tasks you might otherwise forget during a busy week.

More than a Planner

Now, journaling is something I look forward to. There’s something really satisfying about flipping through old pages and seeing all my plans, doodles, and deadlines come together. It makes me feel accomplished, like I’ve created something meaningful out of my busy schedule.

Even though it’s technically “productive,” it doesn’t feel like homework. It’s more like a creative break where I get to organize my life in a way that feels calming and personal.

Overall, journaling has been a simple yet powerful way to bring creativity and balance back into my routine. It helps me stay organized, but it also gives me a space to slow down and express myself without pressure.

Whether you love to plan everything out or just need a moment to breathe between classes, journaling can be whatever you make it. It’s your own little world on paper.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

Fall and winter are some of the busiest seasons. Whether you are in school, studying for exams, planning holiday vacations, or preparing for family gatherings, these seasons are often packed with activities. Here are a few of my favorite things to do during this time of year!

During fall, I love to go to pumpkin patches. Not only is the atmosphere full of scenic fall vibes but it is also such a fun activity to do with family or friends! Spending time outside with your loved ones allows you to enjoy the crisp air, create lasting memories, and embrace the best of the season together.

Another way to celebrate is by baking and indulging in seasonal treats like hot apple cider, eggnog, and pumpkin-spiced desserts. From warm pies to freshly baked cookies, this activity is perfect if you're looking for something more relaxed and cozier! It's a great way to connect with friends or family and enjoy the comfort of home as the temperature drops. If you're into the spooky side of fall, visiting a haunted house or haunted maze can be a thrilling fun activity.

Lastly, one of my favorite indoor traditions during this time of year is watching Christmas movies while drinking hot cocoa! Some great Christmas movies to watch include classics like Home Alone, Elf, The Polar Express, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, and The Holiday. Whether you're in the mood for laughter, heartwarming stories, or a bit of nostalgia, these films capture the magic of the season perfectly.

Although this season can be packed with stressful assignments and tasks, these easy, affordable and accessible activities are great ways to connect with your community, relieve stress, and enjoy the best of the holiday season.

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started! 

College is a great way to continue your education, make new friends, and build relationships and connections that will last you a lifetime. It is truly a place filled with unlimited opportunities. With that being said, college can also be a very stressful place at times. Juggling all your classes and homework may leave you feeling like you're falling behind. And joining extracurriculars definitely enhances the college experience, but if you struggle with time management, you can quickly get overwhelmed with the amount of time and work required on top of your academic demands. Here are a few tips that helped me learn how to manage and ease the stress of college.

Stay Connected

One thing that has really helped me is staying connected with my campus. I came to college thinking that everybody just has it together. I never used to ask for help and just thought I could manage it all on my own. Although you may think that there are no helpful resources out there, a lot of colleges provide free tutoring for almost every subject. Before learning about the tutoring, I would often stress myself out thinking that I would never be able to get the help I needed and would have to figure it out all by myself. However, these tools and resources are free and accessible; all you need to do is ask!

Plot and Scheme

Another tip I have for time management is to start by planning out your days, writing down what you have to do and making a to-do list. If you just keep all of the tasks in your head without properly planning it, it will most likely lead to you forgetting about certain obligations such as not making enough time for homework or not making enough time for yourself. I would recommend starting by getting into the healthy habit of writing and visualizing what your priorities are for the day.

Prioritize Yourself

Last, but not least, you should always prioritize yourself and your well-being. Although college can be stressful, you should never overwork yourself. It’s good to be self-motivated and determined, but you should also give yourself the rest and breaks you need. You’ll be hurting yourself more if you don’t prioritize your mental health. Always take the time to breathe, meditate, clear your mind, or do something that helps you relieve your stress. It can be something as simple as drawing, going on a walk, or cooking! Personally, I found that coloring really helps me clear my mind. Overworking yourself can ultimately result in burning yourself out, which is exactly what you don’t want to do at the end of the day.

Success starts with you, so you should prioritize your well-being! Find a nice planner either physical or digital and plan. Make note of the things you need to do. Keep up to date with student emails and apps. Keep your eyes open to flyers and resources, and just ask around. There wouldn’t be resources if you are the only one struggling. Navigating college with these tips has definitely helped and improved my experience, and I hope that these tips can also help you!

Do you have a compelling story or student success tips you’d like to see published on the Pearson Students blog?  If you are a college student and interested in writing for us – click here to pitch your idea and get started!