Balancing the Two C’s: Class and the Club
Finding strategies that work and don’t work, how to keep your GPA up without missing out!
BY Reese Wilson ★ October 19th 2025
Photo Credit: Sammy Yeck
The Struggle is Real
We have ALL been there: running late to your Friday recitation with last night’s mascara still under your eyes, promising ourselves “never again”. College can feel like your dual-majoring in “Academics” and “Social Life”. One side is screaming, “Hit the library,” the other is screaming, “Hit the lights!” The struggle is real, but balancing both doesn’t mean having to sacrifice sleep, sanity or your GPA. With a few smart strategies, you CAN crush your coursework and make the most of your nights out.
What works
Your calendar is your new best friend
If you don’t already live by Google Calendar, this is your sign to start today. Like right now. Last year, I slept through so many meetings because they weren’t in my precious calendar. Now, I treat Google Calendar like it’s my personal assistant. Another mini tip-color-code everything! For me; Classes are in green, sorority activities are in red, study blocks in blue, and extracurriculars are in pink. Seeing my whole week laid out on my laptop and phone feels like a reality check; Do I actually have time to go to that darty? If it’s not there, it seemingly doesn’t exist, and trust me, you will forget.
Going Out doesn’t always mean Black Out
Here is the thing: You don’t have to overdo it to have a good night. I used to think “making the most” of going out meant staying until closing time, having so many drinks, running myself into the ground. The next morning? Rough, let me tell you. I’d be so exhausted, getting to my class felt impossible. Once I started pacing myself, everything changed. Structuring your night out is the way to go! One of the best hacks I learned was giving myself a cut off before I even start the night. I will set an alarm on my phone labeled “Wrap it up”. It might sound silly, but your future self will appreciate it. You don’t need to drink and go crazy to have a good time. The best nights are ones where you end early and order McDonalds with your roommates. The point is: you don’t have to prove anything by pushing yourself past your limits. Whether it’s heading home earlier or saying “no thanks” when you don’t feel like drinking, setting boundaries makes the night way more enjoyable and leaves you with enough energy to crush your morning.
The Power of Your Voice
Sometimes the hardest word to say is “no”. I used to feel like I had to say yes to everything, every plan, every “just come for a little”. But the truth? Listening to your gut is way more powerful. The first time I stayed in, it was a Friday night freshman year. My body and mind was exhausted, and I wanted to do something for myself. I showered, ordered Chinese takeout, and slept well. The next morning, I woke up feeling well-rested. Saying no doesn’t make you boring; it makes you in control. Your voice matters, and using it to protect your time, energy, mind, and body is the ultimate power move anyone could make!
Things that don’t work
Living in ‘“Later Mode”
Later sounds harmless - I’ll do it later, I’ll study later, I’ll catch up later. But later piles up. I once told myself I’d finish my homework before going out. Spoiler Alert: I got too focused on picking out my outfit and didn’t do it. The assignment turned into a stressful 3 a.m. scramble that could’ve been avoided if I didn’t write it off for “later”. Living in later mode feels comforting at the moment, it tricks your brain into thinking you have endless time, when really you're just making things harder.
The “Party Girl” Label
Socializing is fun, but trying to be the girl who’s at every event? Exhausting. When you’re constantly out, it can start to feel like you’re being defined by just one side of yourself. I learned early on that saying yes to everything didn’t actually make me happier—it just made me tired. Balance looks so much better than burnout. When you save your energy for the things that really matter, you not only show up fully for your friends, but also for yourself, your classes, and your passions. Trust me: you’ll be remembered for the way you light up a room, not just for always being in one.
Overbooking your Life
Saying yes to everything might make your calendar look full, but it usually leaves YOU feeling empty. A packed calendar doesn’t always equal a full life. It’s easy to think that being constantly busy means you're doing well, but I learned it often means the opposite. When you overbook, you’re never fully present. In class, you’re thinking about what you're gonna eat for lunch. At an event, you’re worrying about the six page paper waiting for you in your dorm. It’s exhausting. Making space for downtime and alone moments isn’t lazy, it’s what allows you to show up better for the things you care about.
Finding your Balance Mindset
The real secret: Balance doesn’t mean splitting yourself down the middle. It means knowing what deserves your energy in the moment. Sometimes class “wins” when assignments and exams pile up; the library or your favorite study spot should be your second home. Other weeks, the social scene takes the spotlight, when you need a release, reset, a night of fun with your girls to remind yourself what college is all about. It’s important to drop the guilt factor. If you're studying, don’t stress about what you're missing. If you're out making memories, don’t obsess over the to-do list waiting for you. Being present in whatever your doing helps you focus, and makes the moment much better. Your GPA matters, but so do memories– balance is knowing when to protect one and when to make the other.
Edited by: Sofia Westerman