I sat down to make my customary “don’t forget any assignments” spreadsheet last week, and looking at my schedule was a little terrifying. We’re talking weeks with at least one quiz, test, paper, or group project due date every day, several times. The course-scheduling gods did not smile on me this semester – every collegiate’s worst nightmare.

So how are we supposed to handle crazy-busy weeks, when our professors expect us to study for multiple tests, or meet with multiple groups? When your courseload is full, it’s hard to strike just the right chord of work and relaxation that leads to success, but you and me, we’re gonna get it done.

Managing a Full Courseload

Unsurprisingly (I hope!) a lot of these tips involve doing the legwork now, early in the semester, while you have a little more free time and a lot more time to get prepared. But I don’t think any of them are particularly difficuly, per se. Most of the things you can do now to save yourself stress later only take a few minutes – so pull out your trusty to-do list and add a few things. Future-you will thank you.

Get Your $#!^ Together

And by that I mean consolidate.

Remember wayyyy back when, when I told you about Sara‘s excellent book? Well, it’s an excellent book and contained an excellent idea – make a list of every. Single. Assignment. Literally, every due date you have listed on a syllabus should go in one place, and you should check it frequently (weekly, at minimum) so you have a good idea of what’s going on.

I really strongly recommend hanging it up somewhere visible. It might be easier to just type it up and call it a day, but there’s something really grounding about a physical copy. (Do it in your bullet journal, if you’ve got one!)

Plan Your Busiest Weeks

So you know which weeks might kick your butt, and if you can’t find a workaround with your profs, you’re going to need an action plan so you don’t lose your freakin’ mind. Spontaneity is great and all, but sorry, my dears, these weeks are not the time to be spontaneous.

I don’t believe you can live with a rigid plan for every moment of your life, but on busy weeks, you should probably try. Make sure you’ll have plenty of time to work, study, and (most especially) sleep. As tempting as it is to play it by ear, now is just not the time.

Single sheets not your style? My boyfriend writes his assignments for each week on a series of sticky notes that he keeps across the top of his desk. Doesn’t matter exactly how you get your week planned, so long as it works for you.

Be Proactive

Proactivity is so hard guys. So hard. I know. But it’s totally a habit worth establishing. What does this mean in the context of your courseload? It means getting into communication with your professors, early and often. So if, when making your list of due dates, if you notice that you’re going to have an insane week, be willing to talk to professors about workarounds and deadline extensions – as early as possible. If you have to cross campus between classes and are afraid you’ll be late, let both your instructors know, and ask if you can leave a minute or two early, or get amnesty if you show up a minute or two late.

Look, the worst a professor can say is no. But almost every professor I’ve ever talked to is happy to work with students, and understands that we have super-busy schedules. They want us to succeed, and they appreciate us being proactive – so reach out, it might just make your life easier.

Be Good to Yourself

Your education is super important – but you’re more important. If you have a lot going on, stress is a real concern, and you should be aware of the effect it has on your life. If you feel you’re doing too much, step back. It might not be that easy, but it is that simple.

If you need help finding time for yourself – time to sleep, decompress, and do the non-academic things you love – talk to an academic advisor or a counselor. Needing some help isn’t a bad thing. It doesn’t make you a bad student, incapable, weak, or any of the other self-effacing stuff your anxious brain is trying to make you believe.

These services exist for a reason, and it’s perfectly okay to use them. What’s not okay is suffering the mental consequences of trying to do too much, all on your own. Academics are important, but you should make your own physical and mental health your first priority. Always.

What does your courseload look like this semester? How are you managing it?