A Survival Guide: Avoiding Burnout in College

There is a multitude of different media out in the world that depicts the college experience. College life is fun and can be very exciting, but it is not always the easiest. It can become overwhelming very quickly. Depending on what your major is, or if you have declared a major at all, schedules can quickly fill up. This can be the beginning of burnout. Your classes might be demanding, work life becomes never-ending and the days might start to feel like a blur. It can be rough, but there are ways to combat it so you can still enjoy life. Here are a few ways to avoid and prevent burnout in college.

Getting Organized

Look at the syllabi and course schedules assigned at the beginning of the semester. Then, write down everything that needs to be done for the month (or week, if that is easier to digest). It is easiest to write assignments down in order of when they’re due. That way, those higher-priority assignments can be taken care of quickly.

This next part is very important; this is something that you might be able to find some joy in. These assignments can be organized in an adorable planner, in the Notes app on a phone or even on a sticky note on your computer. It just has to be something that is easily accessible. This step is important because it takes care of the stress that comes with trying to remember which assignments are due when. With this step, you can anticipate and expect your workload.

Plus, this can be done creatively. Do this step in a way that motivates you to write things down. Get that cute planner, the pretty sticky notes or the fancy pens — at the end of the day, it is about finding the things that will motivate you to take the first step.

After you make your list, you are going to want to find time to do these assignments. This is the tricky part because different classes require a lot more time for homework than others. Something highly recommended is getting assignments done during the school day if possible. That means when you have downtime on campus between classes, devote that time to homework. This does not mean you have to send your brain into overdrive; it just means that when you get home after a long day, that time can be dedicated to you.

Building a Support System

You are going to want to make a friend or two. It is so important to make connections with people who might be going through the same things as you. This is why it is vital to make at least one friend who shares the same major; at some point, your classes will align, and you can collaborate on assignments and help each other study. It makes all the difference to have at least one person you can lean on or relate to. This step is crucial because one thing that can push someone toward burnout is feeling alone or helpless. Having a companion will help with motivation, learning and social interaction. It gives you something to look forward to every day.

Getting Enough Sleep

This next step can be difficult, but it is non-negotiable: sleep has to come first. It is not a luxury; it is fuel and a priority. As much as you might want to stay up and watch TikTok or study, you have to know when enough is enough.

The average college student should be getting 7–9 hours of sleep. If your body is not well-rested, there is no point in studying — your brain will be too fried to understand the material. Sometimes you have to make lunch and breakfast the night before to save time. Once you get the recommended amount of sleep, things will change. Your mood, energy and happiness will increase. Your ability to focus becomes stronger, which leads to more consistency throughout the day. Memory also improves, which leads to better learning retention.

Make the time to sleep and be consistent with it. This is probably the most important part of avoiding burnout.

Each student’s experience in college is unique, and developing a routine that supports individual needs is essential for long-term success. Prioritizing personal well-being, maintaining balance and practicing self-compassion contribute to sustained motivation and academic achievement. Recognizing progress, even in small ways, fosters resilience and a sense of purpose. Burnout is a common challenge, but with intentional planning and consistent self-care, it can be effectively prevented.