Solutions to Your Top 5 Study Problems

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"Sleep, study, socialize. Pick two." Busy college students may recognize this saying as they wonder how they are going to get everything done for the week. If you are struggling to balance your social life and study time in college, read on for answers to five common problems.

Problem #1: I don't know where the time goes. I start with an entire weekend in front of me to study and still end up cramming into the wee hours on Sunday night.

Solution: Time management is key to succeeding in college. Many college professors hand out a syllabus on the first day of class and leave it to you to figure out what needs to be done. How can you adjust?

The University of Melbourne suggests students create three calendars: a semester-long calendar that tracks important deadlines and helps you plan ahead; a weekly calendar that helps you see where you have free time during the week and plan for ongoing commitments; and a daily to-do list where you can prioritize what you need to complete that day.

The University of Chicago also recommends that students set specific, task-oriented goals. For example, rather than plan to study chemistry for four hours, set concrete goals such as reading two chapters from your textbook, working through a problem set, and writing down specific questions to ask your professor in the next class.

Problem #2: I always study for hours before tests. How come I still can't remember anything?

Solution: There's no doubt about it, college requires a lot of studying. Clemson University's college survival skills website estimates students should spend two to three hours studying for every hour they spend in class. But research also shows that students learn best when studying in short, frequent sessions.

The Cornell University's Center for Learning and Teaching recommends study goals that require longer than two hours be broken up into smaller chunks. And guess what? Once you start thinking about your history midterm as needing four 90-minute study periods rather than one six-hour cram session, that time becomes a lot easier to find. According to the Center, "Scattered one-two hour free periods between classes are easily wasted. Planning and establishing habits of using them for studying ... will result in free time for recreation at other times in the week."

Problem #3: I made my weekly assignment calendar, and I have three papers and a test this week. There's no way I can get it all done.

Solution: Don't be afraid to ask for extensions when you need them. Your professors want you to succeed and are often open to making adjustments in the schedule for students who truly need them. Just make sure you ask early--show the professor you have put thought into your work schedule and are planning ahead. Last minute requests are likely to appear careless. Here's where your semester calendar comes in handy!

Problem #4: I want to get involved in campus activities to meet more people, but I just can't fit it in with my studying.

Solution: College activities serve more than a social purpose. If you are a journalism major, writing for the campus paper or working in college radio provides valuable resume experience. Prospective teachers can complement their coursework by tutoring local high school students. If you are passionate about environmental activism, join the college green club and get first-hand experience working to effect change.

Remember those calendars you created? Well, university experts recommend you include everything from time in the dining hall to a weekly laundry session. Once you've scheduled all your commitments, you can see where free time exists for extracurricular activities, a trip to the movies, or just a much-needed nap. If that free time isn't there, you should find time for it. Duke University recommends: "Schedule some time during the week to 'play,' relax, or do whatever you want to do. This is your reward for sticking to your schedule."

The late-night snowball fight between dorms? Well, that may not go on your resume, but that's worth it too.

Problem #5: I'm overwhelmed by the work for my online classes. How can I organize an entire semester's worth of assignments and keep up with it?

Solution: Time management can be even more challenging in an online class. Without a set schedule of lectures to attend and an instructor reminding you every week about looming deadlines, falling behind can be easy. Montgomery College in Maryland advises online students to spend time early in each class making sure they understand the technology being used and the layout of class websites, including locations of key resources such as syllabi, reading and webcasts.

The college also recommends students create physical reminders such as calendars, class binders or sticky notes for important due dates. Finally, get to know your online instructor. Frequent email or chat contact ensures your instructors get to know you, which makes it easier to get help when you need it.