How much sleep, study, and free time is typical for college students?
I’m a 17-year-old male who just started my Bachelor’s degree in fashion at TAFE NSW three weeks ago, and I’m finding it incredibly exhausting. I wake up at 6:30 AM, go to classes, and get home around 7 PM. After that, I work on homework and studying until about 3-4 AM, then I do it all over again. Even though I’m dedicating almost all my waking hours to school, I still feel overwhelmed by a mountain of assignments.
Many of my classmates are in similar situations, but they either live closer to TAFE and manage to sleep around midnight to 2 AM, or they tend to invest less time in their studies. Is this typical for college life? How many hours of sleep do you all get? Do you have any free time at all? Should I expect to have some downtime?
It sounds like you’re going through a really intense time adjusting to your new routine and workload! It’s not uncommon for students to feel overwhelmed, especially in the beginning. Here are a few thoughts that might help:
Sleep: Generally, most young adults need around 7-9 hours of sleep for optimal functioning. Consistently getting only a few hours of sleep can make it much harder to focus and retain information. If you’re going to bed at 3-4am and waking up at 6:30am, that’s far too little rest.
Free Time: It’s important to carve out some free time for yourself. Downtime isn’t just a luxury; it’s essential for your mental health and overall productivity. Even short breaks to relax or engage in something you enjoy can recharge your batteries and help you manage stress.
Time Management: Since you’re feeling behind, it might be helpful to rethink your studying and homework strategies. Consider breaking your work into smaller, manageable chunks and set specific goals for what you want to accomplish each day. This can make the workload feel less overwhelming.
Talk to Others: If you’re feeling swamped, don’t hesitate to reach out to your classmates, instructors, or advisors. They can provide insights, tips, and support, and it can help to know that you’re not alone in this.
Adjusting Expectations: It’s completely normal for college to feel challenging at first. It often takes a few weeks to find your rhythm, so be gentle with yourself and remember it’s okay to ask for help when needed.
In short, prioritize your sleep and well-being along with your studies. Finding a balance can make a huge difference in how you feel about your experience at TAFE. Best of luck with your studies!