Partying vs Good Grades

How to balance fun and success in student life

Ever been so overwhelmed by studying that all you want to do is just chill and leave the lecture for “later”? But then final exams come, suddenly “later” is now, and having fun is converted to pulling another all-nighter of studying.    

If that’s you – nice to meet you, we have something in common. However, I spent a lot of time learning how to avoid exactly this and now I would like to share a few techniques I’ve mastered during my time at Hanze that help me enjoy student life and keep my grades up.     

We’ve all heard the stereotype – good grades = no social life. However, I don't agree and I’m guessing you don’t either. Something I’ve learned is that life is about balance, and you truly experience it only if you allow yourself to live it.  

At Hanze, independence and flexibility are part of the learning process, so you can still do well while making memories and enjoying what Groningen has to offer. So, let me share four simple techniques that can help you balance partying and good grades during your student years. :) 

How to Keep Grades up Without Missing the Fun

1. Fear of Missing Out

Many students are anxious due to the fear of missing out on something, myself included. We often ask ourselves: What if? Would things be different? Or finish the sentence with our favourite “ohhhh well ... I don’t know” and move on.   

But this time... I do know. There is something I’ve learned as a Hanze student: in Groningen, you’re not missing out, because the city is constantly alive. There will always be another party, event, or chance to go out and have fun. 

IMG_8857.jpeg

Especially if you’re new in town, saying yes to everything is tempting. However, from experience, there’s no rush. I’ve realized I enjoy going out more when I first ask myself: How am I feeling? How much work do I have? What should I focus on tomorrow?  

Don’t make plans just because you think you’ll miss out, make them if that won’t leave you drained the next day. You’re studying because of your passion, your dreams, your potential, and partying should help you recharge, not burn you out.  Being able to prioritise and decide what is most important in the present moment is something that will take you far.  

2. Planning

One of the best ways to maintain balance is to have a clear schedule. It's easier when you have it written down. Take a planner or just a piece of paper to list all your exams, deadlines, and lectures. Write down the tasks you need to complete during the week and estimate how much time each one will take.  

For example, I prefer to divide tasks into important and urgent, important but not urgent, not important and urgent and those you can do whenever you can, not important and not urgent. This helps me track my progress, and plan my free time in a way that I can truly enjoy it and still feel good the morning after.  

Alright, let’s be real, don’t procrastinate your work either. I know we all do it, and you've heard it a thousand times, but really, don't procrastinate, especially if you can have more fun in the end.  

Make an effort to do at least something small related to the university but several times during the week. This way, the concept of studying is not so overwhelming. Set a timer for a couple of hours and dedicate this time just to studying. I like to do this with some background music or my favorite candle. It helps me stay more focused and motivated during the process. 

IMG_2511.jpg

And if you're like me, and sometimes procrastinate because you want everything to be perfect, that’s your sign to just start. Even with small steps, you can go far. Things don’t have to be completed from the first time, but that can only happen if you start earlier.   

So, strive first to present your potential to the world and then celebrate it with friends. Much more enjoyable. ;) 

IMG_2209.jpeg

4. Feel life

Don't forget that you are just a student. Building your future matters, but so does living in the present. Expand your horizons, meet new people, try different things and of course party sometimes.  

You don’t always need to be “perfect”. You’re human. You feel, you change, you learn, and you need pleasant emotions, so give yourself that space. Just remember that going out feels even better when you’ve been productive the rest of the time.  

unnamed (1).jpg

And a quick tip - keep a gratitude journal. Sometimes I write down what I’ve overcome during the day and what I can still improve. It helps me think objectively, find solutions and see the positive side of every situation. And it’s always nice to look back on it later because it captures aspects of your personality that often remain hidden from others. It reminds you how much you’ve grown, the good moments you’ve had and most importantly, how you’ve handled creating memories while navigating your future success.  

Balance becomes easier once you understand it’s not all or nothing, and it doesn't have to be just partying or just studying. After all, both are part of student life. :) 

Author's Info

  • IMG_6282.jpeg

    Ralitsa Mladenova

    I’m Ralitsa the girl who loves vanilla scented candles, resets her mind by baking sweet treats, finds motivation in the morning coffee and romanticises life in her diary.  I’m one of those people who enjoy the perfect mix of sarcasm, jokes and deep conversations. In these blogs I want to talk to you in a way that feels real. To share with you my honest thoughts and inspire at least one person to experience, feel and reflect a little more. :)

Sla over